2003 AWD has 142kmiles.. When I start the car up in the am ( still a little cold here in the moring) the car doesnt go into reverse or drive immediately. After I run the car for a few miles then it is fine ...
Any ideas? I have no idea if/when the trans was last serviced.

 

At 142,000 miles, It's a good idea to service the Transmission immediately -- to avoid further problems and an expensive transmission repair.
DO NOT FLUSH the transmission -- remove the pan, change the filter (Motorcraft), and re-fill with MERCON V type fluid.
I have gotten excellent results from CASTROL'S version of the Mercon V.

95 MERC Engine Bay