License light wires

[Z Bronco]

I know that the two wires connected to the license plate light are power and ground, but they are both black, wrapped in tape and cut off about 3' from the bottom of the tailgate.

My questions are:
1. Does it matter which wire from the license light is connected to the light power source or ground if I use the existing wiring.
2. Should I not be so lazy and just make a new license plate light harness
using new wiring. I am in the process now of making a new taillight harness with disconnects and trailer harness.
3. If I pull the license light to locate which wire is power or ground , how do I know which wire is which?

Thanks,

Z Bronco

 

[garberz]

Yes, it matters which one is hot and which is ground. Use a test light to find the one that is power with the parking lights on. Or check with an ohm meter to find which is ground. If they are cut too short, then just make a new set coming from the tail light junction.

 

[Toddpole]

Positive lead goes to the center pin in the light socket.

 

[Z Bronco]

Thanks, that is what I needed to know!