What could cause my 1997 ford van not to start without a jump?

What could cause my 1997 ford van not to start without a jump?

Added (1). club wagon van

Either on the grill, or on the steering wheel, there's a blue oval. Thats your problem right there!

To start the engine you need a good battery and good electrical connections. Start with those items paying particular attention to the electrical connections on both battery cables, after the battery has been tested. Don't forget the ground connection at the engine block at the end of the negative cable.

The alternator does not come into play until the engine starts.so unless your battery already dead its unlikely to be the cause of a no start condition. Now, if the battery is dead, it could be the result of a bad alternator that is not recharging once the engine starts.

Most likely could be a dead battery. Could also be loose battery cable.

Battery or alternator.

Battery is bad, alternator is no good or both.