I have a 2004 Freestar SE 3.9L with 169,000 miles on it. We just drove it around 2,000 miles on our beach vacation, pulling around 800 pounds on a trailer. About an hour from home the van started bucking and jerking while stopped in drive and slamming into first gear when stepping on the gas. I then noticed that the transmission is constantly making a clicking noise, whether it's in park or drive or neutral or whatever. It's a fairly loud clicking noise. However, once into first gear, the van drives just fine through all the other gears. Reverse also engages without any trouble. I can't find any info about clicking transmissions. If anything, the fluid level is a little high, and I'm wondering if that could cause this. The transaxle light came on a few times on the trip (but with no erratic transmission behavior) and I added a quart of fluid for some reason, even though the level looked fine.

 

That jerking could come from a bad valve. I would make sure the fluid level is correct. The "Lucas Oil Transmission Fix" may be able to loosen a sticky valve. It is cheap enough to try.

 

Well, I just poured a bottle of Lucas Oil Transmission Fix in it and drove it around for a few miles. I didn't notice any change but could it take a while to do its job? Could a sticky valve also cause the constant clicking sound?

 

I wish I could hear what you are hearing. Since it makes that noise in any selector position it would have to be near the torque converter or the transmission pump. I can even imagine that a valve may click if it can move just a bit but not all the way. But with out hearing it myself i don't want to lead you on a wrong path. I suggest to let a transmission guy diagnose it. I have the impression that Freestar transmissions are a bitch. Of the Windstar /Freestar series the AX4N with 19 oil pan bolts are the better ones. You find it in the '03 Windstar.

I was hoping for you the additive would clear it up. Give it another day but then go to the tranny shop.

 

Just a thought, it's possible that the bucking is being caused by the torque converter locking and unlocking for no reason or OD solenoid acting up. The clicking could be the solenoid "clicking' on and off.

 

I didn't notice any change but could it take a while to do its job? Could a sticky valve also cause the constant clicking sound?

 

It's more than a month and the Lucas Oil Transmission Fix should have made difference by now.
Follow up on Common Sense's idea of checking the electricals associated with the transmission. There should be a vehicle speed sensor, gear selection sensor, solenoids and a ground strap.
If that doesn't help you may have to go to a transmission shop for diagnosis.