Could really do with some help

On this one guys I have a 2006 2.0tdci galaxy it's never been rite since the day I got it okay so this is what happens at random times. Driving along road does not matter what speed starts to lose power then sudden the engine cuts off sign on the dash engine malfunction . I try to restart the engine it seems to be turning over fine but will not start the engine I could do it 50 times the engine will still not start! I'm with AA so called them guys out the he could not start it he was there a few hours scratching his head. Anyways he took the air pipe of the air filter and sprayed some easy start while I turned the key engine did not sound good but it finally started. Sign on the dashboard gone and driving sweet once again. Now I have the car parked on the driveway because this happend more often and I had to spray down the pipe to get it going everytime. It would even happen when the car was stood still . Really don't know where to start on this one has anyone come across same problem could do with advice as I don't want to be fitting part after part only to find problem not gone away.

Thanks

you could try plugging it in and see if you get a fault code?

do you mix diesel sources ? sometimes (normally in v cold weather) differently sourced they react and clog the fuel filter, get a little warmer (after you are forced to stop?) they then work ok. That said the common rail 1.9 VW engine is not that sensitive.

well as you have a mk3 it isnt a vw dub engine,have you taken it for an itailian tune up?

might be worth doing so.

first step has to be get it plugged in to see if you have any codes to help you

otherwise you'll be stabbing in the dark...

tdci can be a major pain to diagnose and sometimes expensive to repair...with your symptoms there are numerous possible causes so you really need to check those codes.

beyond that, then

if you dont have a service history, you could change the fuel filter, using a genuine ford or bosch filter. then cut the old one in half, take a look for metal swarf...if you find any then you could be looking at a pump/injector rebuilds, full flush of tank and pipes...common problem and not that cheap to do...just had a jag [tdci] come back from specialist with a bill for 1200 for exactly that.

other possible causes are crank or cam sensors, injectors leaking, fuel pressure sensors, list goes on