Chrysler Repair: 1997 T & C : Runs 3 seconds only, digital odometer, fuel gauge

Question
My T&C seems to be having electrical problems. Sometimes when i try and start my van, the digital odometer, rpm,speedometer,& fuel gauge are dead.  The van will start, but will only run for 3-4 seconds.  Many times if i let it sit overnight, the next day i'll turn the key and see that the fuel, rpm, odometer turn on... and then i turn the key the rest of the way and it starts fine. P.S.   I have recently changed the coil, computer.  AND... along this same time, my key clicker stopped working.  I hope that you can help.  THANKS

Answer
Hi Richard,
It appears to me that the vehicle theft security system (VTSS) is not being disarmed when you can only get the van to run for 3 seconds. That is the symptom of a system that thinks you are trying to steal the van.
If you are using the power door locks/clicker/door key to secure the van, which arms the security system, and then when returning unlocking the door with the key (or clicker), the system should disarm. It is probably not disarming properly.  Try unlocking the right door with the key and see if that makes the system disarm more reliably. The wire from the key cylinder to the body computer may be compromised in the left door.
Also, you could avoid the whole issue by not using the VTSS which you can do by locking the doors using the push buttons only.
On the RKE (what you called the clicker), have you tried changing the lithium battery in the unit? See if that restores the remote lock/unlock function, and maybe repairs the starting problem.
If there are still issues with the system there is a way to analyze this system using the Chrysler Diagnositic Readout Box in association with the body diagnostics manual. I have that manual, but without a Readout it is not very helpful.
I don't think this is related to the other parts you changed.
Roland