My 2002 dodge grand caravan SE ran out of gas and I have run it out of gas once before (kid in the neighborhood cyphoned it), but this time it died and the transmission symbol came on the dash

The gauges going crazy is from significant voltage drop that occurred from cranking too long, voltage dropping too low. That's probably why the transmission symbol came on...the computer needs a certain minimum voltage to operate properly. It's not a good idea to run the gas tank dry as this is hard on the fuel pump. The pump is cooled by being submerged in gasoline. Recharge the battery and have someone help you listen for the fuel pump "prime up" when key is turned on. That's likely the problem. Also, do not crank the starter more than ten seconds at a time...once a minute. If it wants to start, it will start in three seconds or less. Overheated starters can burn out from cranking too much. And tell that rotten kid to get a job and buy his own gas....he owes you a fuel pump too. Good Luck.

Thanks guys I'm going to check the fuel pressure but before that I am going to replace my battery. I just bought the vehicle in January so I should have checked the battery to see what year was manufactured all that didn't check it like a dumb dumb but I'm replacing the battery now and then I'm going to check to see if the fuel pump and gages or excuse me sounds like it engages and then let you guys know thank you

Hope to save you money by saying there is a difference between a "dead" battery and a "discharged" one. Your battery was fully "discharged" by cranking too long. It will bounce back if you put it on a charger. You can have it tested to see if it's really, really "dead". Don't replace the battery unless it's really "dead".