Automatic Transmission

If this is a automatic its probley a faulty shift modual. most tranys have an alectronic box that replaces the linkage cable these days and thats what controls the shifting. I would get it up and check the wiring harness for damage and the plug for corrosion. Does it tend to slip into first when you hit rougher roads? or does it do it on smoth ones as well?

I have a 2009 volkswagen routan sometimes when we are driving down the road it shifts down into 1st gear and we have to pull over and shut the engine off and start it back up then it will shift fine sometimes we have to stop 2 it 3 times while it in town where it shifts back down into 1st gear

Intermittent problem the same as described above on my 2009 routan se. Also it will resolve if I shut the engine off and restart and then I manually shift it into gear 6 and leave it that way as a possible solution. When I did that, it did not happen again just something to try if you're out stuck somewhere. Also I've replaced the tipm and use WD-40 electrical contact cleaner to clean all of the plugs which plug into the bottom of the tipm. It did not resolve the multiple dash the ABS traction control etc that others have talked about, now just suddenly today all of the lights went off with the exception of the check engine light it flickered on and off when the other dash lights were doing their dance on the dashboard. It's like the movie Christine all over again I can't find one complete solution without going down a list of replace this PCM various computers shift module all of that I guess the idea would be to troubleshoot it to the most logical first step and then go down the list process of elimination. Cars paid for it's only got 86,000 miles, but it's certainly cheaper than a new vehicle but only if it lasts that's the risk that I'm facing and it's a very frustrating otherwise I love my van. I have a completely set up in an overlander style with cargo rack solar panel solar generator fridge freezer twin size 6 in memory foam bed in the back it works out good with the exception of the gremlins.