2011 ford ranger 2.3 xl 2x4
I am looking for a little help. my reverse lights are not working. when i opened the left side there is a black wire going to a box with two red wires that is screwed to the back wall. the black wire is broken off of the box at the make stud. I assume i need this part but not sure what it is . thanks for your help.

 

"A box"? Can you post a photo?

 

I dont have it here . It is about 1.5"x1.5" x.25". there are three male studs and a small bolt in the middle. like a 5mm self tapper. the red wire came from under the tailgate to the box then to the left stop/ turn light. the black wire came from the box and went into the wire harness by the tail light

 

It could be the trailer light "box"
Should be a connector on either side, the "box" can be replaced, its a Ford Part

Black wires are "usually" ground wires, but not always

Manual or Automatic trans?
If neither reverse light works then could be the switch, which is different for manuals or automatics
(it is possible for passenger side bulb to go out and you never noticed, when drivers side blows you then notice, so both bulbs could just be bad)

In 2011 fuse 20(10 amp) in Cab fuse box is for reverse lights
At the rear of the Ranger Reverse 12volts is on a Brown/yellow stripe wire from the switch to the bulbs, it splits at rear of drivers side frame rail and runs to both sides

 

thank you. the truck is a manual and both sides are out. I will check the fuse. I will stop at the parts store to see they carry the box. thanks again i did read about the switch in another thread. after the fuse that will be something i check. both bulbs are new the one old one was all rusty so I'm sure that doesn't help.

 

With a manual trans there are just the 2 wires on the transmission reverse switch, drivers side high up on trans
Pull off the connector
Key on, 1 wire should have 12volts, if so, fuse is OK, now put a jumper wire in the connector, both Reverse lights should now be on, if not then problem is at the rear of truck
If both lights are on, replace switch(but long shot, never had to replace one of these on a Ranger)

 

Thanks I appreciate it. I will post what I find.