Chrysler Repair: 01 town & country 3.8L all wheel drive, electric solenoid, torque converter

Question
van cuts off when i put it into gear, any gear it just shuts down,

Answer
Hi Tony,
My suspicion is that, if this a firm/sharp stall of the engine, that the electrically controlled clutch on the torque converter is in the closed position instead of the open position, so that when you put it in gear it is just like starting a car with a manual transmission while it is in gear with the clutch not depressed (i.e. there is no slippage between the flexplate/input turbine of the engine and output turbine of the torque converter).
I am uncertain whether the electric solenoid that controls the clutch function could be at fault or perhaps its wiring, or the torque converter may just be locked up. But you could look on the side of the transmission that faces the front of the van, in the vicinity of the bell housing that mates to the engine, for a round black electrical plug that has two wires (three electrical pins inside of this connection to the transmission). The wires are colored pink/gray and dark blue/white and see if that plug or its wires are damaged. If not, then remove the plug from the socket (gently lift locking tab) and try to start and then engage a gear to see if that has released the clutch. If not, then I would believe that a trans shop would need to get involved to verify my theory and possibly repair the clutch solenoid or its circuit. It may be possible to get the van rolling by having a helper(s) push it to get it in motion, then start it and when you shift out of neutral move the lever directly to low gear. But be sure the road ahead is clear. That may be a way to limp it to a trans shop. But it will stall the engine every time you bring it to a stop with the brake pedal. Please let me know what happens.
Roland