No start problem

NH,
Based on what you have posted, and seeing that other people have, and then do not have idiot lights, I noticed that pounding the dash made the lights come on. When I get the van home and am well enough ( have been sick for 4 days....very frustrating) I will pull the gauge cluster and get my small soldering iron. Do you think I am on the right track? It seems more likely to me that there is a short or broken circuit than a malfunctioning computer, especially since there is an on/off condition. I had a similar situation on a Subaru...in the heat control system. On the back of the control module, inside the assembly, there was a circuit board with 4-6 tiny terminals on the rear of each button. 8 buttons...lots of solder joints. Many were broken. I assumed it was from inadequate factory assembly, but did not consider heat/cold cycling coupled with age....just did not occur to me. I will keep you posted on my progress. Thank you for your help. Chip