How to Troubleshoot a Bad Fluorescent Lamp Fixture

Check that there is power to the fluorescent light at the switch and at the fuse box for the house if there isn't any light coming from any of the bulbs.

Inspect the bulb of the lamp to ensure it is properly installed in the ballast.

Check the lamp for burnt ends or spots that appear to be burnt or blown out. Replace the bulb. If more than one lamp is blown out at a time, it may be necessary to check the ballast.

Look at and listen to the lamp for signs of flickering or a loud hum. This is an indication that the ballast is faulty. Some ballasts are more expensive to replace than a new fluorescent light. Turn off the electricity to the light at the fuse box. Remove the cover to the ballast, located at one end of the lighting unit using a socket wrench. Pull out the wires from the ballast using a pair of pliers. Unscrew the ballast with a socket wrench. Install the new ballast by reversing the directions.

Check the starter of the lamp if the bulbs are glowing at the ends or not in the middle. This is an indication that the starter is not providing enough power to the whole lamp.The starter is a fuse that acts as a time delay switch. Once electricity is sent through the starter, it pulses electricity through the chemical vapor inside the fluorescent bulb. The starter for the bulb is located inside the body of the lamp, and is accessed by removing the electrical panel at one end of the light.