The shift indicator will not move, but it does shift. is this something i can fix

Does it go to R when shifted to reverse ? Where is the shift indicator located ? Instrument cluster ?

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Locate neutral on transmission and connect shift linkage with indicator in neutral. Then make sure cable sheathing is not moving when you move shift lever, only the cable shouid move

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First verify if it is a shift position problem or an indicator problem. If the position is wrong, there is a shift linkage from the gear shift to the transmission that can be adjusted. If it is the indicator, then it is in the gear shift mechanism proper. I don't think it is possible for the transmission to change the angular position of the control shaft that engages various gears, etc. But the linkage could change.

While troubleshooting this problem, try to figure out why it happened. Is something loose? Did something bend the linkage while you were out 4-wheeling? Is something else about to break? Are your motor mounts OK, or has the physical position of your engine relative to the gear shift mechanism changed for any reason? I never had a vehicle do this, but maybe you are just lucky.

Sounds like the shift linkage has came loose or broken,

if its the manual transmission and the shift light you're talking about, its probably the bulb, is its the auto gear indicator, there is a cable going from the needle on the indicator to the plastic on the steering column (the part that moves with the shifter) make sure it is attached, the odometer is driven with gears, make sure the gears are not broken or derailed.

Hey Fastrick,, this sounds serious... if I read this right..you may have a column that is coming apart inside...something has broken and is causing these issues.. PLEASE take it to a QUALIFIED professional and get it checked ASAP ... this COULD EASILY be serious.. and leave you stranded .... and I have seen "thermal events" from this!!

The neddle is attached to the column via a thin metal wire and spring which then clips to the edge. Remove the trim above the column and look for the clip attached to the wire and a warn spot on the column and reattach it. :)

It may go on the end of the shifter shaft the best advise I can give is to lay under dash and have someone move the shifter and you should see something move that is missing the bolt becaus it pivots

I just fix the same problem on my 83 el camino today. The indicator is just a plastic pin connected to a wire and uses a small spring to return to park. I took out the dash board pannel in front of the gauges. There are two 7mm screws under the indicator, remove those. Drop indicator down, check to see if the plastic hoop the wire connects to has broken off. If so I connected my wire to the hook on the return spring, every thing works fine now. I had to fix this to get it threw Maryland inspection.