you could take it apart and see what it going on in there.
sounds like the shift indicator numbers/letters thing is loose, offhand.

that's where I'd start.
if the lever feels normal, and it shifts normally...
look in the shift console.
I think you start by removing a tiny allen screw on the knob at the top.
Havn't done it in a long time.
I have a shift console for an auto trans vanagon ..or parts of one, if you
need some part.

scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "David M" <covrambles@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 3:11 PM
Subject: Auto Shifter weirdness

> My 1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon has been running great as my primary
> transportation but now is suffering from a malady. I hope you guys can
> throw some light on it. Its an auto and the shifter has been fine until
> now but now when I move from Park to Reverse the gearshift is pointing to
> Neutral and when I shift to Drive its pointing to almost '2'. This is very
> disconcerting after it pointing to the correct position for years, I keep
> thinking I'm in the wrong gear. Is this something that is easily fixed or
> is it a portend of more serious issues to come.
>
> -David (1987, Wolfsburg, auto) Tempe, AZ