Pathfinder difficult to put into gear

[varnco]

I have a 2002 pathfinder where the automatic transmission is difficult to put into gear when it's first started after sitting for hours.

Once it warms up, it's fine.. shifts into/out of gears effortlessly.

The transmission itself seems fine.. not hard shifts, no lack of power, etc...ever.

Thoughts?

[Towncivilian]

Do you have an auto or manual?

Do you use the parking brake before selecting "P"?

[varnco]

How dumb of me not to most type of transmission.

It is an auto, and I do not use the parking brake. The button on the side is difficult to depress and the shifting through PRNDL is difficult.

After driving about 10 minutes, it all goes to "normal".

[Towncivilian]

Before selecting "P", come to a complete stop and engage the parking brake, then let go of the foot brake. Let the vehicle settle completely then select "P". This will make shifting out of "P" much easier, even on flat ground. This also has the benefit of keeping your car from moving much should some idiot hit it in a parking lot.

If this doesn't help, perhaps the shift control linkage is too tight, but since it becomes normal after 10 minutes it might be something else.

[varnco]

It is a thing when the transmission is cold... im not talking freezing either garage temp is about 50*.

If the truck warms up without driving, it stays difficult to go through the gears. Only after driving does it get easier.

Fluid level is fine, changed at about 100k miles, now has 135k.

[Towncivilian]

What fluid did you use during the service?

[varnco]

Oh shoot, I have no idea, it was done at a service center.