Fluorescent light question

[Cash]

I have an unheated garage that's lit with eight-foot-long double-tube fluorescent light fixtures. They use the single-pin tubes. And one of the fixtures is giving me fits. It quit working some time ago, and today I figured was the time to fix it.

Climb ladder. No starter unit. Check. Climb back down ladder. Buy new light tubes.

Climb back up ladder. Install new tubes. Check. Still dark. Climb back down ladder.

Climb back up ladder. Remove old ballast. Install new ballast. ($30!!) Check. Still dark. Climb back down ladder.

Now the screwy part. I replaced the ballast, put the covers back on, installed the light tubes, and flipped the switch. Only one tube came on, for a couple of seconds, then went dark. I climbed back up the ladder, fiddled with the tubes. If I push and pull on either of the tubes, the same one flashes briefly before going out.

Bad socket? Time for an entirely new fixture? Or is hard liquor the only answer?

[Curtis B]

Unless the wires are bad the only thing left is the tombstones(ends). Are you sure you got the right ballust?

[Auric]

I think I'd save myself the headache and hit Menard's for some new 4 foot fixtures with the cheaper, easier bulbs. They're probably more efficient, to boot.

[Old Vet]

Your socket is too far apart. Try to bend then closer. it only takes a little for the bulbs to fit it correctly.