Chrysler Repair: 98 T & C: Code 1698/tcm, cluster,abs intermittent, power steering pump, automatic failure

Question
Our 98 Town & Country has 165,400 miles on it. It has been great (even though the fuel gauge reads empty or full and we use the odometer to let us know when we need gas; power steering pump needs to be replaced and cruise control does not work). BUT what I am writing about is a weird problem: about 6 times in the last four years the following happens: ABS brake light comes on, instrument panel goes dark (all gauges [speed, RPM etc] go to zero and odometer/gear lights are out) and then the service engine soon light comes on. If you drive it for about 6 more trips/starts of about 20 miles or so, everything comes back on, ABS brake light goes out and Service Engine Soon light stays on for awhile. The code it is reading is 1698. Unfortunately, it needs to have the inspection done and we can't do it with the Service Engine Soon light on -- automatic failure. Any suggestions? I've read some similar things but we are really considering selling or not even dealing with this (especially given its other issues). We paid $4k for the van over 4 years ago and we aren't putting any money into it. Thanks. (PS The service engine soon light went off when we took it to the dealership two years ago when all this happened before and they said they couldn't do anything since the light went off.)

Answer
Hi Cindy,
The 1698 merely reports that the transmission digital signal is missing in action which may be due to a failure of power to the transmission control module (tcm).
I find a fuse that supplies curent to the transmission control module, abs module, and cluster which may have a subtle crack in its internal wire. It is fuse #2 under dash on the driver's side in the fuse box. It is 10 amp, so take a close look at it and maybe even if it looks OK replace it and see if that solves the problem. A crack would cause the intermittency that you describe. If so, have faith in van and keep it.
Roland