All automatic trans cars built, since 1946, have a "Neutral Safety Switch". It isn't used to put the car in Neutral but to keep the car from being started in drive or reverse. The switch only allows the starting circuit to work when the transmission is in Park or Neutral. The switch is sometimes located at the transmission and sometimes on the shift linkage. Depends on the car. If you have a good battery but the starter won't turn then the Neutral Safety Switch is one possible cause.