VEHICLE DRIVES ON 1ST GEAR ONLY WHEN PUT ON DRIVE.

The issue you are describing with your 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan, where the dash says "reverse" when the vehicle is actually in "park" and the key can be removed while the engine is running, is likely related to a problem with the vehicle's transmission range sensor or park/neutral safety switch.
The transmission range sensor is responsible for sending a signal to the vehicle's computer indicating the position of the transmission shift lever. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may send an incorrect signal to the computer, causing the dash to display the wrong gear position.
The park/neutral safety switch is responsible for preventing the engine from starting or the key from being removed when the transmission is not in the "park" position. If the switch is malfunctioning, the engine may start and the key may be removable even when the transmission is not in "park".
It's best to diagnose the problem by a professional, or if the vehicle is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for assistance. It's important to note that these are general steps and the specific procedures may vary depending on the exact model and type of your vehicle. It's recommended to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for the specific instructions and precautions for your vehicle.

Question edited for clarity.

All your issues can be solved by an auto electrician or a transmission specialist with a $5k pro grade scan tool computer. TCM or solenoids. It is an electronic issue.

With the van in park or neutral with e-brake on, and engine running, pull the transmission fluid dipstick, notice there's no fluid on the dipstick. Put a quart of transmission fluid in the dipstick tube, with e-brake still on, put the van in gear. R or D, and see does the van try to move against the brake. If it tries to move, engine speed drops, put it back in neutral or park and check the fluid level again. If it's still low, put in a little more till it's to the full mark.. Done. Check under the van and find the area where fluid is dripping out and fix it. If it's the pan gasket, replace it. Replace the filter while the pan is down.

Maybe something wrong with neutral switch? Usually it is on or close to transaxle shift lever, follow the shift cable to shift lever, the switch has multiple wire connector.
It may be possible to start vehicle by jumping the load side of starter relay, key on. There are safety issues trying this, the vehicle will crank in any gear. Make sure tranny is out of gear, parking brake is set, block the wheels, whatever it takes to be safe, safety is your responsibility.
If the problem isn't that neutral switch, then I don't know? Any applicable trouble codes?

Check your brake lights, if the system doesn't get a brake lights on signal it will not release park, it is called the park lock system.

the first thing is to check the fluid level. engine on and in nutreal then check level and if thats not it have the bands adjusted inside the pan

Hello,
It sounds as if the transmission's clutch plates are excessively worn. You have 2 options;
1. Replace all of the transmission fluid & the filter too. That may fix the problem although not guaranteed to work completely.

2. Do what I ultimately had to do (after trying the 1st thing) and bring it to a Transmission repair shop and have it rebuilt for $1,400 (as good as new). I thought the van was worth it and I could get a lot more miles from it of course you have to determine this for your self and your van's condition.

Good Luck!
Rich Lilja

you will need to have it plugged into a scanner to find out what error codes are showing in order to locate the problem with the check engine lite coming on.

I have a 2003 Dodge caravan and have 94000km. this morning the engine light was on but not only that the P R N D (park,reverse,neutral,drive) lights are all on. It is not making any funny noises..... What could be the problem?

i would check the drive half shaft comming out of the transaxle(transmision) you could of stripped something.