99 DODGE van runs 20min & stops!

Well, the first thing that I noticed to go wrong was that my gas needle was acting odd. While driving, it goes from a half tank to almost empty and then back to half again..even after i filled it up! (How this relates to my other problems, im not sure)...anyways, this continued for about 3-5 days(No other problem(s) at this point). Then, one day, my wife called me and said that the van wouldnt start...1st time this ever occured! She waited for about 20 minutes and it started. Luckly, She managed to make it back to the house. I went out and tried to start it up, but it wouldnt. After about 45min i tried again and it started. However, after running for 10-20 minutes it stopped(no sputter what-so-ever, just stops). . If I turn the ignition immediatly it wont start but if i wait 30-60 minutes it will start and run again for 10-20 minutes. At some point during this cycle yes, the Check engine light comes on.
Until it stops it runs very, VERY Fine!! Very smooth idle and no miss or hesitation, answers good on throttle.
In the attempt to correct the problem(s) I ordered a fuel pump. The pump comes complete w/the sending unit, strainer, and fuel filter. I dropped the tank and installed the new unit to perfection, but the problem(s) still remains.
At that point, I took it to the mechanic shop and he tested the fuel delivery system and said the pressure and every thing pump-wise seems to be working fine. He said it wouldnt stay running long enough for a complete code check, but that it was probably a plugged Cat Conveter. Hmmmmm...that wouldnt cause my gas needle to jump around like that, would it?

Anyways, i had this van for about 2yrs and never ever had any prob befor..never! HELP ME PLEASSSSSSSEEEE!

The Halleffect pickup needs replacing. The 20 min wait is typical.

I have a '99 ram van also.Never had a problem until just lately. It cuts off while driving. After it sets up for 30 mins or so it starts. It sounds like we might have the same problem, but the dealership has already taken us to the cleaners to the tune of $1500 and we are still breaking down on the side of the road. Have you tired any of the suggestions posted on the forum? I know this post is a month after your post. Any info you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
C Allen

O.K. I've had this problem with two Dodge vans now.This time it was the Power Control Module You have to replace it. I got one for $443.00. Then it has to be flash programed, another $80.00. If this does'nt fix it, then it has to be either the fuel pump/filter/sending unit. Or the Pick up plate, as was mentioned before. My last van had this problem. After I fixed the pick up plate it still died on me, this time for good. It would'nt even start. Thats when my mechanic new it was the fuel pump. Fixed that and never had the problem again with that van. Then it died of transmission failure. LOL. So I get this new van, drive it a week and it starts doing this same thing again. But it was intermitent. I could drive sometimes long distances and several days before the van would stop again. So I knew it was'nt the fuel pump this time. I clean carpets for a living and this would not do! So this time my mechanic sent it to an electrical testing place and they told him it was PCM (Power Contol Module) and BOOM no more problems....Whew! It might take a few days for the part as I guess they just rebuild them because they dont make 'em new anymore. At least that's what my mechanic told me. Well I hope this helps anyone who reads this, 'cause I would'nt wish this nightmare on my worse enemy. Thank God it's over!

check or replace the crank shaft sensor or the coil
very common on these vehicles