I once had similar intermittent problems, I think if it was a duff resistor then once broke you would have the problem constantly . The problem I was having eventually ended up being a cable fault -I’m not saying this is what your issue is, but it might be worth cleaning the ECU multi pin plug & checking the 4 stepper plug cables - might also be worth checking base idle. If the stepper shuts off totally , the engine should still tickover at base idle revs . It may be the ignition amplifier starting to fail.
I don’t know about modern electronic auto boxes but many moons ago when things went up & down and round & round the neutral/park switch simply allowed the engine to start , positions 1-2- Drive inhibited a start
Good Luck
