[96wWindstar180K]

It sounds to me like you have a bad battery and or alternator. Your battery should have the same specific gravity in each cell on the battery. Your voltage should be no less than 12.7 volts. If the van was running as you say it was using power from the vehicle jump starting it. When you disconnected the jumper cables it should have stayed running if the alternator was okay. My suggestion is to try and jump it again. Rev the engine on the windstar once started to about 2000 rpm. Hold it there while someone disconnects the jumper cables. If the van dies the alternator is not putting out voltage. If you can get it running I would drive it to a Sears Auto Center and have them check the battery and alternator. They will tell you exactley whats wrong. I believe it will cost you $9.95 or there abouts. Well worth the piece of mind. If you cant get the van running buy a battery and replace it yourself. If you put the battery in and it starts drive it to Sears and have them check it out they may be able to fix your cable ends or tell you if there done correctley. Make sure if you do get it running with a charged battery or with a new one that you drive there right away and use as litlle accesories as possible. If the battery is not charging it will drain the new or freshley charged battery.