How to Fix Fluorescent Lights

Remove the cover of the fluorescent light fixture manually to expose the tubes or the bulbs inside. Skip this step if your fluorescent lights do not have an outer covering.

Check the bulb to see if it is loose at the end connected to the light fixture. Some fluorescent lights cannot light up when the bulbs are loosely connected to the fixture. Wiggle the bulb a little and see if the light comes back on.

Locate the ends of the light tubes to see if they are discolored. You may see slight discoloration in the bulb, which is normal for all fluorescent lights. However, if you see a very dark area at the end of the light bulb, you may need to replace the tube. When the lights flicker, it strains the other components in the light fixture, so the tube must be replaced.

Turn off the main switch which controls the fluorescent light fixture. Rotate the tube's ends until one electrode can be slid out of the slot where the fixture is plugged in.

Install the new fluorescent light tube by sliding one prong into the slot on each of the fixture's ends. Rotate the tube and secure the other prong by sliding it into the slot.

Turn on the power switch to check that the lights work.