Marc. A polite correction. The 4r100 does not take off in 2nd unless you select 2. It always takes off in first in the od selection.
The reason the engine dies in manual 1 is because of a cross leak in the pump caused by high line pressure when man 1 is selected. When the pump is perfect, this does not happen, but with time and heat the pump warps and causes these cross leaks. The lock up valve is in the pump and this crossleak causes the valve to move and partially apply the lockup clutch, sometimes lugging the eng and sometimes killing it. Sometimes the converter itself can cause this, hence I always replace them both. Preston