Hi, we have a 2007 Freelander2 HSE which has been developing a auto gearbox problem and has now been diagnosed as a dead torque converter. The car when cold is very reluctant to engage any gear, until it warms up a bit, then it is ok. Changing between 1 - 2 gear is quite a clunk, but the rest of the gears seem ok.

Does the above sound right and if so will I need to sell the crown jewels to pay for it?

Thanks, Andrew.

A torque converter is rarely malfunctioning...
It's a pure mechanical thing with a turbine and an impeller. No contact, just oil flow.
In your case I believe that it is the valve block, if not the oil itself.
One or more valves that are regulating the oil flow and pressures for the clutches and/or the brakes inside are stuck or malfunctioning.
If you feel a shudder on 1-2 gear change then the SLB1 valve is malfunctioning among others.
You should also feel a slight shudder on 5-6 gear change, but there the torque is minimal and you hardly feel it.
If they insist on changing the torque converter, as this will mean to change the oil also, you could tell them to first check the oil, or even change it, before opening the box. You may have a surprise...

Alex, you are a god..  Don't put petrol in a diesel. They don't run well.

I thought that too, coz everytime I see he has posted I think "Oh God", whats he writing about now  ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

Hi Alex, thank you very much for the reply. With any luck the garage will try that first. But it certainly sounds a good explanation.

Thanks, Andrew.