Tail light socket repair

[86RangerDrew]

I need to replace the tail light sockets on my Ranger.I purchased new sockets,but I have a problem.They have 3 wires extending off them like the old ones,but they are color coded green brown and black.The original sockets are all black.Also,the wires are placed in different areas of the socket,and the original sockets wires are grouped next to each other.Sound confusing?It sure is.Can anyone help?

 

[97BlackBetty]

Do you have a multimeter? Also known commonly as a volt meter. Thats really the only thing that I can suggest. Sorry

 

[snake]

Ohm meter is the best way to figure it out, or if it is built properly, you may be able to tell where each wire goes- should be two "pads" (where the bulb makes contact) and a ground if I'm thinking about the right socket. You can actually hook it up temporaily and try it out, the worse thing that can happen is you blow a few fuses if you hook the ground up to hot by mistake. When you get it right use butt connectors or even better solder the wires and use heat-shrinkable tubing to insulate it. Don't use electrical tape as it tends to get gooey and can make a mess.