compact fluorescent stuck in fixture. Need advice for removing..Please

[jarhaley]

I have a Coralife Lunar Compact Fluorescent lighting fixture. The bulbs had gotten old and i order new ones to replace. After a struggle to get the acrylic lens off, i thought the worst was over, but am now unable to remove the lighting form the fixture.
The light has four prongs that fit into the fixture, but when i went to remove the light, the bulb itself pulled off leaving behind the prongs in the fixture. After much struggle, I decided i would ask to see if anyone else has experienced a similar problem and/or know of a solution. It's as though the prongs are super glued in place. Your help would be greatly appreciated as this is driving me crazy. Thanks.

 

[spanko]

Use a pair of needle nose pliers to grab them and pull them out. How long has the bulb been in there? I have found that a touch of vaseline on the prongs helps with removal later.

 

[jarhaley]

The bulbs have been there for nearly 2.5 years....way too long i know. That's great advice about the vaseline. I'll give the pliers another shot. I tried last night with it just breaking off the plastic piece i had grabbed. (it's not just the prongs that remain, but the end plastic piece that contains the prongs.) Thanks so much for your reply.

 

[spanko]

Yeah you may have to continue to break the plastic part to get to the prongs. Just be careful that you hold on to the socket that the prongs go into so that you don't rip it off of whatever it is connecter to and or breack the wires.

 

[1990jpyj]

im sure you know this but just putting it out there, Unplug the fixture for safety

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2871859
Use a pair of needle nose pliers to grab them and pull them out. How long has the bulb been in there? I have found that a touch of vaseline on the prongs helps with removal later.
+1 but i would use Plumbers Silicone Grease instead ,only because it dosent contain petroleum.

 

[jarhaley]

After breaking off the plastic surrounding the pins i was able to eventually twist all of the pins out. Thanks so much for the help. I was starting to pull my hair out i was so frustrated!

 

[spanko]

Originally Posted by Veni Vidi Vici
http:///forum/post/2872093
+1 but i would use Plumbers Silicone Grease instead ,only because it dosent contain petroleum.
Thanx for that Veni, great information!!!