OK, while driving my 2000 Caravan started doing something odd
electrically...

I heard a steady ticking sound coming from the steering column area in
synch with the ticking the odometer and other dash lights blinked. This
went on for about a minute or two, then it went away.

I had something similar (related?) happen the other day when I tried to
start the van, but it would not even engage the starter. It would just
tick. This also went away after about a minute and then I was able to
start the van.

Anyone know what this might be? I do have an after-market alarm system
which has been in the vehicle for a couple of years now, although it
hasn't functioned normally in about a year (doesn't always respond
unless I'm almost on top of the van, rarely makes a beep sound any more
when engaging/disengaging).

Thanks.