Ford Repair: 2000 Explorer no Odometer, vehicle speed sensor, 4x4 system

Question
Hello,

I have a 2000 Explorer Sport, 4WD, Manual Transmission, 2DR.  4.0L OHV Engine.  I have two questions:

1)  My odometer works sporadically if at all.  It will work for a little while, then not work.  Most of the time it doesn't work.  I don't see any pattern though, as to whether or not it will work.  It seems to have a mind of its own.  Any idea what I should look for???

2)  I bought this vehicle used and I'm pretty sure it has some sort of control trac, or real-time 4 wheel drive system.  What kind of system is it, and can I have a brief description of how it operates?  I'm almost positive the rear-end is an open 3.27.  I don't know if that helps you any.

I appreciate any information you can provide.

Thanks,

Mark

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
As far as the speedo working and not working...I would look in to the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) being faulty. You might notice that it shifts harder and later than "normal" when it isn't working.
As far as your 4x4 system goes.....there is too much to list for basic function of the system. You might want to ask Ford directly about it.
Erik