If the torque converter lock-up clutch is failing to disengage properly then this will load the engine in Drive when stationary and could cause it to stall (but not in Neutral or Park).

If you decide to replace your torque converter, because the Sachs WA4/W280 S-2GWK unit features a captive clutch where the piston retainer is welded in-situ, it is a specialised job to re-manufacture it properly so you need to choose a supplier carefully.





Note also that the 4.4i and 4.6is E53s use different torque converters (260mm ‘F38’ & 280mm ‘L51’ respectively). ZF manufactured over 85k 4.4i transmissions but less than 11k transmissions for the 4.6is, so the L51 can be more difficult to source.



Phil