My car will start but it won't go into gear?

I recently bought a used 2004 civic. I was able to shift it to Reverse and Drive from Park however I took my car to a mechanic because I was having an electrical problem. When they fixed my electrical problem they noted that for some reason I had to use the keyhole (to push it into neutral) then start the car after. The mechanic doesn't know why we all of a sudden have to do this to drive the car. He replaced a "electrical board" which contained many wires and claimed that half of them were dead/burnt out; I no longer have a light problem anymore (night lights now work from the rear). Not sure if the above information will help anyone but I can't continue to start my car like this. Any thoughts as to what the problem is and a solution? I am considering getting another mechanic but this mechanic gives me good deals.