I have a 2004 Explorer XLT with 100K miles. VGC, no rust anywhere and drives and shifts normally except, when applying the brakes aggressively, after coming to a stop, transmission is out of gear. I must shift into park, drive etc. a couple of times and then it jumps into gear.
Suggestion of what to look for?

 

Every transmission diagnosis starts with a fluid level check.Maybe if the level is very low, hard braking may cause the fluid pick up to draw in air because the fluid momentarily sloshed to one side of the pan.Has the tranny ever been serviced?

Does there appear to be an issue with the gear shift linkage or a lack of engagement within the transmission.

 

Is your O/D light on? Does it sound normal when out of gear?