Auto Parts: Auto Tranny Problems, jetta gt, torque converter

Question
Hi, I have a '98 Volkswagon Jetta GT 2.0L Automatic.  It has About 108,000 miles on it.  The problem is when I come to a full stop and the shifter is in drive, I can feel the Transmission dropping in and out from first gear to neutral then back to first.  It happens the continuously the entire time I am at the stop.  The car jumps a little everytime it does this.  And when I press the accelerator the car goes forward drops out of gear, then slams into first at precisely 2500 RPMs, screeching the tires.  After the car goes into second gear and on, the car runs great.  I was wondering if you think it could be electrical, or the TCM, car's computer, or the entire transmission itself.  Thank you for your time and any help you could provide me.  

Answer
    I'm assuming that you checked the fluid level in the manner prescribed in the owner's manual and that it is full, but not overfilled.  If the fluid level is way off, it could cause these symptoms.  If not, then I have to admit that it sounds like a control problem.  I sounds like the clutch in the torque converter is malfunctioning.  It could be because of the solenoid operating it malfunctioning, or the computer sending the wrong signal at the wrong time.  It is also possible that the converter itself is bad, but that is a rare thing.  German computer controls are overly complicated and known to go haywire at times, I think I'd start there.  I also have to think that it is a problem best left to the pros; the parts and tools needed to work on these things are not available to the general public, and so expensive that you wouldn't want them to be.  You're better off, in this case, taking it to the pro and helping him pay for his tools by paying for the repairs.  Oh, and don't go to a franchised transmission shop like AAMCO, find somebody local who knows his stuff, he'll treat you fairly and won't try to sell a bunch of service you don't need.