1995 Mercury Villager trying to figure this out

Our 1995 Mercury Villager starts fine...but the check engine light comes on and the speedometer doesnt work. While the light is on and the speedometer is not working the van doesnt shift from first to second the right way. After driving about 5 miles the engine light goes off and the speedometer works fine and the van shifts like its suppose to. This has been going on for about two months. In the last week it would not start three time...there were no clicking sounds, as if the battery were dead. When it runs and the light is off...it runs great. If you can help me in any way I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you