So here is the deal:

I recently took the bed off my truck to replace the filler neck, and like an ignoramous I didn't bother to remove the rear lights, so they got pulled. Fortunately only one of them seemed to get ripped. Add after tinkering with them for a while, I managed to get the left sides lights working again.

The wires are: two black, one black w/magenta stripe, one green w/ orange stripe, and one orange w/ green stripe. The ripped one is the green w/ orange stripe. The thing is that the side that doesn't work (right) does not have the green w/ orange stripe wire; the left side (working side) does.

I tried to reconnect the wire by soldering it to a yellow 14- gauge wire and wrapping electrical tape around it. Not sure if this has worked or not because I am confused as to why the ripped wire is not connected to the right side.

Oh, and now for whatever reason the interior lights that light up the speedometer, tachometer, etc., (not sure what its called) has stopped working very recently. Not sure if this is related.

So I was wondering if anyone can shine some light on this subject a little. I don't want to go to a mechanic because I want to learn myself. I am just learning about cars and car mechanics so the most lamest layman terms will fit me best.

Thanks!

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1992 Ford Ranger 6 cyl 3.0 L Engine
Manual Transmission 2wd
Siq color Needs a Name