I looked at the dakota digital units installation instructions looks like a real PITA! And very easily rendered inoperative by a little mud.
If I understand correctly the only thing that is stopping yours from working is the switch is not being rotated I was thinking of an electrical problem.:bang
I think the easiest way to make a linkage would be to get an old shift shaft ,cut it flush as it exits the switch, then drill and tap the center and put a screw and washer to keep it from coming out of the switch. This would give you a lever that cold be activated by running an additional cable from the column or a rod coming from the dodge trans.
Or just remove the park lamp easy.:hehe: Rich