Starter is messed.

Bad starter solenoid most likely. If you can even see the starter (which I doubt) might try tapping it hard with a broom handle which could jiggle the parts in the solenoid and make it start. Otherwise, tow it and replace the starter and solenoid as one part.

The same thing happened to me in 2008. I had to put in a new starter also. It's been fine ever since

take starter off and check directly with battery, but sounds like battery from symptoms

Sometimes new starters have to be shimmed so that the gear on the starter lines up with the gear teeth on the flywheel on the motor. The grinding noise is the reason I say that is what's wrong. If there were shims already there, try taking them out. I hope this helps you

sounds like an ignition switch glitch or ignition harness problem can be either depending on the amount of wear and tear with turning on and off of the ignition tumbler or possible chafing or inconsistent short in harness to ignition switch check the ground line up through harness first and check the wiring harness condition

Sometimes when battery voltage is lost, some modules may have to be reprogrammed or relearn? Do you have a security system?
You could always check the basics, have a helper crank it while you check for spark at the plugs. Also, check proper fuel pressure and fuel injector pulse. Let us know what you find?

sound's like the starter motor packed it in! the starter site's on the drivers side of the oil pan right next to the tranny under the van, if u can remove it u can have i checked at a local napa or pepboys

factory immobiliser??

takr the belt off and turn the alt by hand you can tell if the bearings are going out it should turn freely and smoth

My 1997 safari was doing the same. After being shut off for a short period of time it started as if it was flooded. If I put the accelerator to the floor it would fire up. As well, I had no engine codes to report. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator and everything is great. It was leaking fuel into the engine causing it to act flooded when starting. Once started, the computer system made adjustments for the leaking fuel so the engine ran fine. If you turn the van off and immediately try to start it, it should fire up. (don't give it time to leak extra fuel into the engine)