auto transmission weird shifting issue

[kam4726]

hey all,
I had my car in "P" and it did't start. I moved the shifter to the front a bit and car started no problem. 2nd thing is that when i move from "P" to "D" it is a bit stiff. shifting from D to N does not require any force to move it (i could just slightly move it and it's in N-like it's loose or something and you could actuall feel some play in it) .It does not have that "click" between D and N. Seems like the shifter cannot find the place to "pop" into. The same issue when shifting down from 2 to D and 1 to 2. When i move from P to 2 (skipping D) and put it back to D , shifting back to N has a "click"present.
It's like the shifter can't find its spot to pop into while shifting to a lower gear. any input would be appreciated.