New starter and Solenoid for 2000 windstar trys to start when positive cable connected to battery without key

Could have a bad cable , to check voltage drop starter circuit ! Starter Voltage Drop Watch some other voltage drop testing videos ! You need a DVOM - digital volt ohm meter to do this testing .

does it have the halo around the ignition switch for anti theft? ive seen a lot of those fail and need replaced. on a side note be careful jumping the start on those vans,if the ecm doesnt start it sometimes it wont shut it off either. could be the resistor in the key too.

This procedure usually works:

• Check the battery cable connections:

Make sure the positive cable, makes a good connection at the battery and at the starter. Make sure the negative cable makes a good ground connection at the battery and (preferably) at the engine.

• Check the battery the simple way, like this:

Turn on the headlights, then try to start the car.If the headlights do not dim or go out, then the battery is likely ok.

• Check the starter and solenoid:

If the wiring looks ok, then look at the starter solenoid for a good connection, and proper voltage at the starter(10 volts minimum while cranking).
If the starter spins and no crank, the problem is most likely the Solenoid's bendix gear is stuck.
Have someone hit (not too hard) the starter while you try to start the car. This usually works by dislodging a stuck bendix gear.

• Make a simple test of the alternator:

If you can, somehow get the engine running, measure the voltage at the battery. It should be at least 13.6 volts to properly charge the battery.

I would suggest you check both your positive battery cable and the starter solenoid. I had the same problem on a Ford F series truck. I ended up replacing both parts and never had that problem again.

fuel filter or fuel pump maybe coil pack

The small wires on the starter are connected wrong, or the large wire is touching the small post.
Look closely at the solenoid on the starter and make certain that you've wired the large wire to the right place and that everything is connected properly.
If necessary, look at a shop manual to see the proper wiring of the starter.

Section 03-06: Starting System 1998 Windstar Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Procedure revision date: 01/22/1999 Starter Motor Removal
WARNING: WHEN SERVICING STARTER MOTOR (11002) OR PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE IN THE AREA OF THE STARTER MOTOR , NOTE THE HEAVY GAUGE INPUT LEAD CONNECTED TO THE STARTER SOLENOID (11390) IS HOT AT ALL TIMES. MAKE SURE THE PROTECTIVE CAP IS INSTALLED OVER THE TERMINAL AND IS REPLACED AFTER SERVICE.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to Section 14-01.
   

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
   

1. Remove the starter solenoid safety cap.
   

1. CAUTION: When disconnecting hardshell connector at S terminal, grasp the plastic shell and pull off. Do not pull on wire. Be careful to pull straight off to prevent damage to the connector and S terminal. If any part of the connection is damaged, replace the damaged components.
   Disconnect starter cable and push-on connector from starter solenoid.
   

1. Remove upper bolt.
   

1. Remove lower bolt and starter motor.
   

Installation

1. Position starter motor to engine and install upper and lower bolts finger-tight.
   

1. Tighten the upper mounting bolt to 20-27 Nm (15-20 lb-ft).
   

1. Tighten the lower mounting bolt to 20-27 Nm (15-20 lb-ft).
   

1. Connect starter solenoid connector. Be careful to push straight on and make sure connector locks in position with a notable click or detent.
   

1. Install starter cable nut to starter solenoid B-terminal. Tighten to 9-14 Nm (80-123 lb-in).
   

1. Replace the starter solenoid safety cap.
   

1. Lower vehicle to floor.
   

1. Connect battery ground cable.
   

check to see if one of the wires is touching the ignition wire on the solenoid

You have a "park" interlock that could be failing.
Please Place the gear selector in "N" and see what happens.

Then, Connections at starter selenoid, failing battery terminal (or bad connector). A battery could have a broken plate inside that will not feed power to the starter - sometimes.

Check battery voltage.. If 12.5 or better - ok
Have a helper start the engine while you monitor the battery voltage - if, while in the start position, the voltage drops below 10 volts, replace the battery.

If the battey voltage holds at better than 12 volts, then You try to identify a bad positive cable connection between the battery and the starter as follows":
* Have your helper place the key in the start positition and HOLD IT THERE until the engine turns over.
*If, while in the start positition, engine does not turn over, then you should check for connections at the battery terminal---starter selenoid---selenoid output---starter connection. Again, all with the key in the start position.

If you wiggle/poke/prod a crank out of the starter - then you have identified the problem...

loose connection somwhere either at the battery or the starter make sure the battery posts are clean and tight and check the connection at the starter