2002 T&C: This morning after crank and at idle, a steady hi-pitched tone came from underneath the van in the vicinity of the rear wheels. I have always heard this tone for about 1/2 second in duration after the key is full clockwise prior to engaging the starter. Fuel pump?

 

I love it when I can answer my own questions! But YES! It is the fuel pump. Apparently the fuel pumps for those vans were crap from the factory. The mechanic I refer to was surprised that it had lasted as long as it has.

BTW, the "tone" is caused by the armature in the pump self-destructing...