Jeff Wisnia wrote:
rickm wrote:

I have a fixture in my kitchen that has (4) 40W bulbs. Last week the
outer bulbs grew dim and finally the fixture quit lighting up at all.
I replaced the bulbs today...and the outer bulbs are not working. I've
tried replacing all 4 bulbs, still the outers aren't work (even put a
known good bulb in each of the outer locations). Is this the sign of a
bad ballast or another issue? All connections are nice and tight.


Most likely the ballast. Maybe a bad socket, but that's a stretch.

A decent ballast for two 40W bulbs should cost less than $20, even if
bought at an Ace Hardware store.

You might also look for specials on dual 40W hanging fixtures which
sometimes sell for less than $15. Take it apart, toss out the sheetmetal
and get a ballast plus two bulbs and four spare sockets for that price.
G

Better yet buy it, take the parts, sell it at a garage sale for 20.00.
Maybe 30.00 on ebay.