Interior lights

[Toongee]

Hey all,
I'm real new here so pardon the newbie post.
I just removed the dash pad on my 1971 F250 Ranger and while I had the instrument panel out found a couple things I'd like to see if you can help with.

While I was in there I found 2 loose hanging lamps. No idea where they go. Replaced the bulbs but they don't light up still. Any idea what these are? One has a single wire that goes to the block of wiring on the light switch. I didn't trace the other, but also a single wire.


Also tried to replace the bulb in the little light that is at the bottom left of the dash - not sure what it is called. Some interior light. For some reason it lights up only if I get the base of the bulb in contact with the metal of the truck dash. I'm guessing some sort of ground issue? It has a maroon wire and red wire with a yellow stripe coming off of a giant mess of wires behind the instrument panel.


If anyone has dealt with these while working on the dash and has ideas they would be appreciated. Or even what this last light is called so I can look for replacement part if I need one.
It's my second month with the truck and I'm starting to dig into a few things here and there. But I don't know much yet. It was inherited and is in pretty good running shape and now needs some love.

[Canonman67]

Are you talking about the light down by the parking brake handle? If so it's the brake warning light. It's connected to the proportioning valve under the hood.

[Mach428]

You didn't mention if they lights worked with the key on, or if one worked with the lights on high-beam. As one posted, it is likely that one is the brake warning light (only lights upon brake failure and is connected to the brake proportioning valve beneath master cylinder.)

Also, you didn't mention if your truck has gauges or idiot lights. Could be they are for oil or temp.

Try turning the key on and high beams on and see if either light up.