Volkswagen: Volkswagon Golf GLE 1998 - fuel pump, fuel pump relay, vw dealer

Question
My car broke down out of the blue. I have someone come and have a look at it and they said it was my relay switch. So I took it to my mechanic and they got me a new switch and installed it, and then told me it was infact my actual fuel pump. So I spent a large amount of money getting a new fuel pump installed. After that i got my car back and noticed my fuel gage wasn't working so i had to pay even more money to get a new fuel gage sensor! When I got it back again, they said that I ALSO need a sensor for the temperature and a cluster which sits behind the dash board. Their explanation is that when my relay switch shorted out so did these other things. Finally they believe I need a new battery, as it doesn't start, however when I checked it at another mechanics the green light came on to say that it was fine. Is what my mechanics are saying correct? I'm only 20 and cannot afford to spend all this money! Thank-you

Answer
Emily,
 There are numerous "relays" in every car, but I believe it is the fuel pump relay in question.  It's hard for me to say for sure what the real reason for all these problems.  However, I smell a rat.  Even though it is plausible that the fuel pump went out(usually due to dirt in the gas), but I suspect the fuel sender, which is also located in the pump, was defective or damaged during the repair.  
  As far as not starting, many VWs have anti-theft features that disable starting the car when the battery has been disconnected for any length time.  If these mechanics are missing this point (because the battery was in fact found good), you may need to find more qualified mechanics.  A VW dealer knows how to reset the computer properly in the situation.

Rick