Have a 2004 dodge caravan battery went put in a new one interior lights came back on when turn the key to start the van it shuts off no lights no nothing and in a few minutes the lights come back on

check for loose dirty battery terminals /dirty loose earth points. This is an indication of incomplete electrical circuit

I think you're over your head here. Take it to a professional mechanic and let her sort it out. Sounds like your alternator isn't putting out the correct voltage.

what are your compression numbers like-cheers denny

Motor doesn't turn over or it doesn't start ?

If it turns over, the fuel pump may have quit
Cycle the key & listen for it near the tank

You can remove the fuse for the interior lights after you turn van off for a temporary fix.Thinkin there should be some kind of sensor/timer thats gone out,not allowing the lights to shut off after van is shut down and doors closed

alternator bad??? causing a drained battery

Check the battery first. Just because the lights are on doesn't mean it has enough power to start the van. If you or the van has a volt meter, the battery should read at least 13-14 volts to be good. If the battery is good then the alternator is good and we move on to the starter solenoid. I'm sure it's one of these. Do the lights go off or very dim when you turn the key? If so then battery.

Sounds like time for new battery, give it a full charge & have it tested, but have alternator checked as well, even though it appears alternator is o.k. because it runs, but just in case it's an intermittent problem with alternator

loose battery connections or bad ground connection

the starter is not clicking?