In a message dated 10/20/2009 9:28:20 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
jim.felder@GMAIL.COM writes:

I have  never had a vanagon with an AT. What's the proper procedure for
checking  the level? The owners manual gives some detail but does not
even specify  whether the car is to be running or not when the level  is
checked.

check atf on level surface with engine running warm, and in  park.   no not
check cold.

the slipping and catching sounds exactly like low fluid level  symptoms..
the fact that you have atf spray on your hatch, means you have a blown seal
 somewhere and it needs to be fixed..

chris