Car was turned off and now will not start. Basically we think that the car does not know it is in park? Is there a way to trick it into starting or letting it know that it is in park?

Move the shift lever while cranking, try neutral.

Check for a faulty automatic transmission gear position switch. This link may offer insight and help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post258005