Starting And Running Problems

[mikehunteruk]

Can anyone help?

 

I have an R Reg 1998 Ford Galaxy Ghia 1.9TDI and it has started to develop some problems starting? few weeks ago I pulled up outside some shops and stopped the engine, on starting it the engine just turned over but failed to fire? When the AA came out they checked the alarm and fuses etc but then they put a wire from the live terminal of ther battery directly to what looks like a solenoid, this got the car started but I had to keep it on.

 

While this wire is connected the car's throttle responce is very erratic and it loses power on the hills, but then as if by magic all power is regained - although usually the power stays very limp.

 

Can anyone please tell me what this is as Ford have told me its possibly the fuel pump although the AA disagree with that.

Thanks