2002 Rodeo (shifter problem)
 

Car died on my wife. Thought it was the battery. Put a new one on and it still would not do anything.

I saw the brake light on, so I pulled the shifter in neutral and the dang thing cranked. Put it in park and nothing. Wiggled the shifter and it cranked.

Was is this thing connected to that keeps it from cranking?

Thanks

You have an inhibitor switch that prevents the car from starting in gear. That would be the first place i would be lookin at getting it replaced.