Thanks for your advice, but unfortunetly I've already done all that.
I left the battery disconected for approx. a half hour while i was doing something else. Also unplugged the memery fuse under the hood (IOD) with no luck.
Although i did find a description for code P1698 :P1698 No Bus Message From TCM (Chrysler, Jeep)
P1698 Engine Torque Control Cut Signal Circuit Low Input
Guess I'll be just checking connections and grounds all over this stupid van. Once again if anybody has any late breaking news on this instrument panel delemma, feel free to let us all in on the secret
Until them I'll be

until if figure it out!