erlomd

I have this 1996 C Class 4 cylinder and lately it refuses to start? its not the battery because its not hesitating, nor does it make that recurring clicking sound that would normally be heard if it were the battery...I've noticed it happening a lot lately (at least once or twice a week).
checked all the cables, fuses, hoses, and everything is fine...I did notice that it will start up when i start shifting the automatic transmission shifter from the park to the 1 or 2nd gear positions...sometimes that does the trick right off the bat...
any ideas?