• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

2011 Tail Light wiring help


kd3yt

New Member
EMT / Paramedic
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Apr 23, 2021
Messages
7
Reaction score
1
Points
1
Location
Hollidaysburg, Pa USA
Vehicle Year
2011
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Installing a rear camera to my 2011 Ranger XLT Supercab 4x4
Every thing is in except when I went to tap the back up light
both wires on the socket are the same color. What is the correct
way to make sure which side is the 12v. Once I determine that
do I just connect both wire to the socket wiring or do I run
the ground to the frame or somewhere on bed.

Thanks. Going to post this is two forums hoping to get a quick answer.
 


ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,325
Reaction score
16,584
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
If you have an ohm meter, you could remove the bulb and then check to see which wire shows 0 ohms to ground. That would NOT be the power wire. Or, use a volt meter or test light. With key in the run position, but engine not running, put the transmission in reverse and see which wire has 12volts. The ground wire from your camera should go to the frame of the truck. I’m not 100% sure about 2011, but most Rangers have a ground connection on the rear crossmember for the rear light assemblies.
 

2011Supercab

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 10, 2021
Messages
422
Reaction score
464
Points
63
Location
Washington
Vehicle Year
2023
Make / Model
Toyota Tacoma
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
According to the wiring diagram book for the 2011 Ranger, They are 2 different colors.

Black/yellow - Ground
Brown/yellow - Positive
 

kd3yt

New Member
EMT / Paramedic
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Apr 23, 2021
Messages
7
Reaction score
1
Points
1
Location
Hollidaysburg, Pa USA
Vehicle Year
2011
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
OK, issue resolved. Wires had enough dirt on them they looked the same. I pulled the plug
and used my voltmeter to make sure which one is the 12v. Can't find the ground at the
cross member as my spare tire hoist is froze and can't lower tire so will get the drill
out and bolt the wire directly to frame. Thanks for the replies.
KD3YT
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Shran
April Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top