Why would my van starts but shuts down after a few seconds?

Sounds like you've triggered the security system which I have done on my own 1999 T&C LXI. To reset first you have to be OUT of the seat. Next use remote fob to lock then unlock and do this a couple times to make sure you have fixed the ignition starting/running problem. It's easy to do this in several configurations, especially when dealing with battery, fuse, selenoid trouble shooting . If you unlock it manually and get in the seat you've triggered the alarm and must reset it so it will run.

Answer above is correct. As for the dash problem, very common. Most likely a bad solder on the back of the instrument cluster, located at connector. These 2 problems you described usually go together. Re—solder then reset alarm as original poster says, more than likely will solve problem.

Mine did the exact same thing and nobody had a clue i called several garages and it start at 100 dollar to look and guess what might be wrong, it sat in the driveway almost a month and it started everytime and died just as quick no mileage light so i thought im going to floor it everytime i started it and hoped i blew it up so i did it about 3 times and it revved up high that 4 time i heard a sputter still have it floored light started blinking and it started i revved that engine i was mad and over it. Well it has started everyday since. I am a lady with a temper all i no about a car, van is gas and air, im positive the gas line had a clog and reviving that engine so hard worked it out of the line gas ran freely instead of just enough to start it my lights worked properly. I have lost my faith in all mechanics, yes i am a girl but not a dumb girl. I knew it wasn't the fuel pump it started everytime there was gas getting to the engine, a few guy friends insisted it was out of gas and bought gas in a gas can. So when it did start i had a full tank. These few garages that my 70 yr old neighbor took me to knew i was single and had no one. I am very pretty but mouthy and told them to there face they were wrong its not the fuel pump. That was over a year ago and has started everytime. So keep starting it , raze that engine it will work the sluge or whatever it out,