Pointer On Gears Moved Slightly To The Right

Hello Everyone: I hope someone can help us. My friend has a (truck) 1999 ford ranger XLT. This morning when coming home he went to put his truck into Park and for the first time the gear pointer stayed a little to the right of the Letter "P" (park) and it now does that to any gear he puts it into!
The transmission works great and shifts just fine.
Is there a linkage that he can go to to get that pointer to point exactly on the gear it is suppose to be in?
My car starting doing this 5 years ago and I never did anything about it, it does not bother me. but my friend is all upset and just paid alot of money for inspection and does not have the money to get it fixed right now.
Is there any suggestions as to what he can do to straighten this pointer out? Any ideas would really be appreciated. Thanks, Tom

There is an adjustment on the gear pointer. You will have to remove the cover than goes around the steering column There you will see a nylon cable that attaches to the gear select tube.It has a adjustment wheel by turning this it will move the pointer back and forth. But it is possible that it has broken and will need replacement.

Fuely: Is it possible that it only became loose, when he moves the gear shift the red pointer does move slightly with the shifter? Can it just be tightened up some how and
Also, if need be, can we replace it ourselves, I mean is it a big deal to take off the old cable and put the new one on?

The pointer assembly is not too difficult to replace. It will come as a complete unit . The instrument cluster will have to be removed to install. Basic tools will get the job done. Before you buy one,check it out as it can be adjusted. good luck

When you say Instrument cluster, do you mean the Whole dash board?

No, just the part that houses the speedometer, guages etc.

So its only the cover around steering wheel that we remove and then we will see the nylon cable that attaches to the gear select tube, that you mentioned? Also, the adjustment wheel will be exposed? Is that the idea

Yes by turning the adjustment wheel, you will see the pointer move.

Ok, Will give it a try, Thanks alot for all your help.