Chrysler Repair: transmission? grinding and stalls, 4 digit numbers, spark plug wire

Question
My 2000 Dodge G. Caravan w/3.3L Flexfuel has decided to have an issue with me.  It has 130K miles on it and a few days ago when I was coming to a stop, it began to sputter (no noise associated with it), then would stall.  It did this twice in a week of lots of driving.  Yesterday, it stalled on the road after a complete stop (it was in D).  I got it going w/a good amount of gas as soon as putting into drive.  I thought this may be a spark plug/wire issue because I realized we had NEVER changed those...but then as I was cruising home, when the van was placed into D or R, it would make a grinding noise (seemingly from the transaxle) and would be jerky until higher speeds...any suggestions???

Answer
Hi Lea,
I had a very similar question yesterday, at least about the stalling and so here is my answer:
"The quickest way to figure out the problem is to find out what fault the engine control computer has recognized, given a coded number to, and stored that number(s) in its memory. You may be able to do this with your ignition key:
"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing this in an elapsed time of 5 seconds or less. Then observe the odometer window to see if the mileage is replaced by one or more 4-digit numbers, which are the fault codes. Try it again if it doesn't work, and make sure you read the numbers accurately. Then write me back for an interpretation.
If that doesn't seem to work, try to go to an Autzone Parts store where they often will do the readout via a plug receptacle under the dash at no cost. Finally many shops will advertise a code readout "special" for around $40. Ask them for the number(s), what they mean, what they say is needed, and how much. Then again write me back and we'll compare notes with the manual.
This is the best way to fix such a problem because it avoids alot of false approaches and guessing."

I am, though, also very concerned about the grinding sound and jerky behavior. If indeed it is from the transmission that bodes poorly for continuing operability. Any such noises from the transmission is a sign of mechanical damage which it cannot tolerate. Let us hope that is not the case as the fix for that is removal and rebuild in most cases. The readout of the memory may also produce a code for a transmission problem so again, getting the readout will be helpful.
Feel free to write back with the code numbers.
Roland