My VW Golf over heated, the engine cutoff in the middle of the road and now won't start. what could be wrong?

Very fee vehicles have a fuel pump shut off...this was a ford thing for a while. Nowadays fuel shutoff is accomplished by the various computers communicating in the car.

You are describing a bad ignition switch. These fail in such a way that the voltage to the ignition fails while in the crank position.

It is likely the coolant is not reaching operating temperature, please verify the engine thermostat is working.

1993-2005 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (A3-A4) Hatchback & Sedan Workshop Repair Service Manual - 350MB PDF

1993 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Golf GTI Cabrio A3 A4 Hatchback Sedan...

This is a COMPLETE Service and Repair Manual for your 1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan. It covers every single detail. All models, and all engines are included.

This QUALITY manual is 100 percents COMPLETE and INTACT, no MISSING/CORRUPT pages/sections to freak you out! Detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings and photos guide you through every service repair procedure. This manual can be viewed on any computer, as well as zoomed and printed. All repair procedures are covered A-Z. This manual for VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio makes any repair job easy to do with very easy to follow step-by-step instructions & pictures on all areas of repair.

1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan
===========
Format: PDF
System: All Versions of Windows, Mac, iOS, BB, Android, etc..
Requirements: PDF Reader.
Printable: Yes

TABLE OF CONTENT (example)

GENERAL INFORMATION *

ENGINE *
engine mechanical
engine lubrication system
engine cooling system
engine control system
fuel system
exhaust system

TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE *
clutch
manual transaxle
automatic transaxle

DRIVELINE/AXLE *
front axle
rear axle

SUSPENSION *
front suspension
rear suspension
road wheels & tyres

BRAKES *
brake system
parking brake system
brake control system

STEERING *
power steering system
steering system

RESTRAINTS *
seat belts
supplemental restraint system (srs)

BODY *
body, lock & security system
glasses, window system & mirrors
roof
exterior & Interior
Instrumental panel
seat

AIR CONDITIONER *
air conditioner system

ELECTRICAL *
wiring diagrams
starting & charging system
lighting system
driver information system
wiper, washer & horn
body control system
lan system
audio visual, navigation & telephone system
auto cruise control system
power supply, ground & circuit elements

MAINTENANCE *
maintenance

INDEX *
alphabetical Index

1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan

a car of that year should have an ecu controlling fuel air mix etc. this normally controls the timing.
To reset the ecu on my '95 VW Golf disconnect the battery (negative / black terminal) for 15-30 minutes depending on who you ask. So I do 30 minutes.
If it has central locking make sure you don't leave the keys in the car when reconnect it. swich on the ignition without starting the engine so the dash lights up with the oil light etc. for 30 seconds then off for 10 seconds. then start your car. It will relearn so it will run a bit rough for a while but should settle down. take it for a spin on different types of road ie. slow and fast.

i would say no thermostat has been fitted or changed or the wrong type will cause this as well ,these vehicles have a housing at the front which is plastic and one on the side ,well the thermostat is behind one of them depending on model and the thermostat has two shut off doors so to speak and if yours only has one then this is because your mechanic thought they could get away with a different stat that they had laying around from an american vehicle ,yes it fits in the hole but it blocks one way and opens another then when engine is hot one closes and the other opens allowing the water into the rad to cool it

have you reset the immobiliser??

Sounds like it could be your coolant temperature sender thats faulty.It could be reading the incorrect temperature and sending the wrong signal to the ecu when the engine is warm.Sometimes even having the fault memory read will not show any faults in system.Try changing the sensor[located on the engine near waterhousing on side of head]and see what happens.Good luck.

Do you hear the fuel pump? if you do then the cutoff switch is set. you need to make sure the fuel lines are ok no bends

just make sure u have nothing an the passager seat becuse any weight on that seat the car thnks there is someone sitting there with no seatbelt on ( no handbags left on the seat) if this is whats worng just plug in the other seat belt. if this is not whats wrong look under the seat and there is two wires comeing from the seat bel buckle disconconect them or join them one or the other will work ( be careful not to touch the air bag wires located in the middle of the seat in yollow plug)