Ok so my wife has a 2000 Grand Caravan 3.3 with about 130k on the clock about 2 months ago she was driving and she said the guages flickered and then the speedo stoped working... we delt with it an still drove the van then last week the van died on the side of the road lost all power.. tried to restart and it wouldnt but then i go out and rondomly try to start it and it will start but only stay running for a few seconds to minutes and then idle rough and eventually stall out... the CEL has been on my ? is could the guage cluster cause the motor to do this i was told it might please help dont want to junk the van just put all new breaks and struts in it

 

Welcome to DF
I guessing the cluster is taking the BUS circuit down, I would recommend to remove the cluster and see if the van will start and run. If the van starts and runs, then you found the problem. Which would the circuit board for the cluster.

 

You may be seeing the worst case scenario for the all too common instrument cluster cracked solder joint issue. Besides just the instrument cluster problems the van dies. As MT said, all or part of the CCD data bus is down. Here's a link to a slideshow that explains how to get at the cluster and make the repair. The repair won't cost you a dime. Just need a soldering iron. No need to buy a new cluster. http://www.flickr.com/photos/landar/...7617315319764/

Is the service engine soon light coming on? Either way, it would be a good idea to head to an AutoZone or the like and have them scan for codes. It's free.

 

Might want to check the alternator also when your at your local parts store.

 

The gauge problem is with one of the solders on pins of the connector to the circuit board as mentioned above. The power lose is most likely due to the alternator going bad. If you get the alternator tested make sure they are able to test how much it is putting out. Been through both of these problems on my 98 3.3L. Good luck!