Change the fixture to one with electronic ballast and T8 bulbs. Your problems should go away (assuming you have a good ground at the fixture).

Your flourescent is working properly you do not not have a cold weather ballast (expensive) fixture . Easiest thing is live with it until warm weather comes . If you need light in your garage in the mean time use a regular light. Otherwise follow the instructions on the previous reply i is about a high energy (cold weather ballast and bulbs) new fixture.

Thanks guys,
I am going to see if I can find any T8's at the local hd/lowes this afternoon. Online shows only 1 at lowes and none at hd (all t12's) so I am guessing t8's are fairly new.

..Fletch

I am guessing t8's are fairly new.

Not really. They cost more because they aren't produced in as large a quantity as your basic cool white T12s. Also they (usually) work only with electronic ballasts, which are common in commercial settings but still somewhat rare in homes.

To be clear, just replacing your T12 lamps with T8s won't work. YOu also need a cold weather electronic ballast for the fixture. Many of the E-ballasts not rated for cold weather operation DO work well in cold weather, but don't bet on it, get one that's meant for cold weather.

My experience is that electronic ballasts rated to operate down to 0 deg F or lower don't cost much more than those that aren't, but that probably depends on where you buy them.

I just remembered, one thing you can try without replacing fixture, ballast, or lamps, is getting those clear polycarbonate protective sleeves for the lamps. They keep a bit of the heat in, so the lamps warm up faster. No guarantees, but they might help.

Thanks guys,
Found the above recommended at Lowes: Coldweather 0 degree,electronic ballast and uses t8's (only). For $40 it's worth it just to change out everything. Only worry is the box mentions it's cold weather ability but says nothing about it's humid weather ability. Guess I will find out soon.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=86125-13537-PWTA240AE&detail=cr&lpage=none

They had a model very similar only it was the "residential" version that could use t8 or t12. It produced more noise so I went with the "commercial" version because of my home automation.

Regards,
Fletch