2000 VW Golf not shifting after oil pan change. Ideas?

I bought a VW Golf the other day from a very honest reliable lifelong friend. Driving it home something flew off the road and cracked my oil pan. I pulled off the highway and drove the car about your minutes to safety before the oil light came on.
I checked the oil and it was complete empty. Must of leaked out on the road. When being put on the flatbed the fist size chuck of oil pan fell off. The vehicle was towed home at which time I bought and replaced the oil pan. Inspection the pump and what not everything looked in great shape so I proceeded to install the oil pan.
Took the car on the highway later that day and it refused to shift. Rpms would rev to about 6000 and the car didn't want to drive or accelerate. My oil light came on twice. I pulled off the road, checked the oil and new pan and all was well. No leaks except a small puddle of coolant. I had the vehicle towed to a shop. I read somewhere that VW put them self in limp mode to prevent further damage.
I just bought this car and do not know much about the make to do any further work. Can someone shed some light as to what is going on?