The blub is F26T8-CW4 10 Watt and it is operated by a three position switch. The switch is a rocker style with an Off position in which it can rest, and an On position in which it can switched to and is the center rest position, and it has a Start position that is momentary, is in that position only as long at the switch is held there. My recollection is I had to hold the switch in the Start position until the light flickered, and then I'd release. Now there is not even a flicker.

I was going to replace the bulb as that's the only way I know to test a florescent bulb. But, I was not able to find the subject bulb at either Walmart or Lowes.

I would like to make some test to see if the bulb is getting a Start and On signals. I have a volt-ohm-meter and know how to use it to check a socket for an incandescent bulb. Can I make some tests to assure that the florescent fixture is providing electrical power to the florescent bulb?

Amazon shows a starter FS25 as corresponding to the F26T8-CW/4 bulb. A starter is fixture dependent, as I recall some "ballast" designs include the starter (built in).

Thanks Randy, but I doubt the correctness of the swap bulb. The F26... is indeed 26" long and is a bulb built specifically for appliances, I have learned. It is on a 30" wide range (standard size) and just about covers the whole width, i.e., just enclosure of a couple of inches on each side.

I will see if I can easily open the cover further to check for ballast and starter.