Thanks Dennis.
The van runs well so I never thought it could be an engine problem.
Would any of the items you suggest also cover a clunk at the first 2 stop signs when I first take off?

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 12, 2015, at 7:50 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Lurching forward while in park can be a sign of something as small as it
> being overfilled combined with some wear in the parking lock, (pawl). This
> is most noticeable when parked on an upward incline. It can also be s sign
> of warped clutch plates or the ATF being burnt, contaminated such as gear
> oil from the final drive getting in there. As for the stalling I would look
> at an engine performance/cold idle issue first. The only connection from the
> engine to the transmission is the fluid coupling of the torque converter.
> When placed in any gear the engine control system should be able to
> compensate and maintain idle speed. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Arlene Sondergaard
> Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 10:04 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Transmission issue
> 
> I have a 1987 Wolfsburg Carat tin top
> With auto transmission problems.
> In the morning when cold, 
> I start the van in park & it lurches forward.   When I leave from work 8
> hours later, I put her in reverse to pull straight out of my parking
> space-she stalls or dies the first try.
> Do any of you have a recommendation for a transmission shop in the Vancouver
> Portland area??  I looked at the mechanic list you all put together but, I
> don't see a transmission shop in my area.
> Thanks for any thoughts!!
> 
> Sent from my iPhone