Hold gearshift to start

Welcome to 2CarPros.

First, does it have a column shifter or floor console shifter?

The first thing that comes to mind is that the linkage between the shifter and transmission needs adjusted. The movement you do may allow the park / neutral switch to permit the vehicle to start. Before you start the vehicle, check to make sure the gear indicator shows park.

Here are directions for adjustment. The attached pics will correlate with the directions.

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2008 Nissan-Datsun Truck Titan 2WD V8-5.6L (VK56DE)
Shift Control System
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Shifter A/T Adjustments Shift Control System
SHIFT CONTROL SYSTEM
Adjustment of A/T Position

pic 1

1. Loosen nut of control cable.
2. Place PNP switch and selector lever in "P" position.
3. After pushing the control cable in the direction shown with a force of 9.8 Nm (1 kg-m, 2.2 lb-ft), release it. This is in the natural state, tighten control cable nut to specifications.
Control cable nut: 14.5 N-m (1.5 kg-m, 11 ft-lb)

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I am also providing the directions for cable replacement for both a column and a floor shifter. I don't know that the cable is bad, but it explains how to access it, and it will give you a chance to see if anything appears loose.

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2008 Nissan-Datsun Truck Titan 2WD V8-5.6L (VK56DE)
Removal and Replacement
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Shifter A/T Service and Repair Removal and Replacement
REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
Control Device Removal and Installation

TM-215 Component (Floor Shift Models)

pic 2

TM-215 Component (Column Shift Models)

pic 3

REMOVAL

Floor shift
1. Remove negative battery terminal.
2. Remove A/T finisher.
3. Disconnect A/T device harness connector.
4. Disconnect selector control cable.
5. Remove control device assembly.

Column shift
1. Remove the column shift control.

Pic 4

2. Remove the A/T cable clip lock plate and remove the cable from column shifter pin.

INSTALLATION
Installation is in reverse order of removal.
After installation is completed, be sure to check A/T position. Adjust if necessary.

Checking of A/T Position

NOTE: Following procedure will cover both column and floor shift selector levers.

Pic 5

1. Place selector lever in "P" position, and turn ignition switch ON (engine stop).
2. Make sure selector lever can be shifted to other than "P" position when brake pedal is depressed. Also make sure selector lever can be shifted from "P" position only when brake pedal is depressed.
3. Move the selector lever and check for excessive effort, sticking, noise or rattle.
4. Confirm the selector lever stops at each position with the feel of engagement when it is moved through all the positions. Check whether or not the actual position the selector lever is in matches the position shown by the shift position indicator and the transmission body

pic 6

5. The method of operating the lever to individual positions correctly should be as shown.
6. Confirm the back-up lamps illuminate only when lever is placed in the "R" position. Confirm the back-up lamps does not illuminate when selector lever is pushed against "R" position in the "P" or "N" position.
7. Confirm the engine can only be started with the selector lever in the "P" and "N" positions.
8. Make sure transmission is locked completely in "P" position.

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Let me know if this helps. Again, since it starts when you place pressure on the shifter, my guess is it is an adjustment issue.

Take care,
Joe