starter not cranking over the engine?

This all started a couple of years ago, and has gotten increasingly worse. First my cruise control quit. (won't even turn on) Then the traction control quit, dash light is lit, but the button does nothing. Check engine light started coming on periodically; now it's always on. Last spring the starting problem began. I would drive somewhere, to work for instance, then when trying to restart the van after a while it starts, but turns off after a second or two. The gauges don't work (tac, temp, gas) but the rest of the dash stuff works, i.e. radio lights, vent/heat, etc. I have to let it sit for a few hours before it'll restart. I've had the alternator check, as suggested by another T&C owner, but it's fine. Someone suggested it may be a short in the column??