I need to remove a fixture from my track lighting. I understand they are installed with a spring based mechanism. I can not seem to figure out how to uninstall. The system has been in place for over seven years and there may be some grit that prevents me from removing the fixture. Also, I don't know if you are supposed to push in, turn right or left or whatever. Nothing seems to work. Can someone help please.
Thanks much.

Warren Cassell

What brand of track light is it? EVERY one is different, and some are different even with the same manufacturer.

I'm afraid I am unable to answer that question. The system came with the house when we bought it over six years ago and there is no way we can get in touch with the previous owners.
Cheers.

Warren Cassell

If you can post a pic we could tell right away.

Can do. However, a bit of clarification from me. My primary goal in removing the fixture is to try to get a dead bulb out. There happens to be a bulb specialty store a few blocks from where I live.They stock literally thousands of different bulbs and have some expertise here. I thought they would be able to extract the dead bulb and sell a new replacement to me. However, if you have some idea how to get the recalcitrant bulb out, I would just as soon leave the fixture intact and simply take the bulb to the store.
In any event, the fixture/bulb in question is the one on the right hand side of the photos.

Thanks much.

Cheers,

Warren

Looks like Halo, or Halo compatible, to me.

Pull down on the square part of the light just where it meets the track. The while holing it down turn the whole thing off the track.

Thanks much for the suggestion, but I have tried that and tried turning both ways but with no response. It appears to be stuck and I am wondering if a short shot of WD40 to loosen up the fixture might be in order. Is this a bad idea and if it is, I will still have what is probably a mechanical problem rather than an electrical one. In any event, any new suggestions would be welcome.

Cheers,

Warren

Warren, That does appear like the one stan mentioned, does that square section where the fixture meets the track, pull down about 1/4"(its spring loaded, you may have to turn light one way or the other to relieve any binding. If that does pull down, then turn one way or the other.

When I pull down on it, it budges maybe a tiny fraction of an inch. If I pull much harder, the whole track is liable to come down. I am assuming the spring loader is not functioning because of years of acquired grit. I would still like to know if a few whiffs of wd 40 is likely to loosen it---but, if doing that, would it impact the electrical connection?
Cheers,

Warren

No, WD would not do any damage and will evaporate in time.
Give it a try.

That finally worked! The spring mechanism is not too springy, but between the wd 40 and some extra physical pressure exerted I was able to remove the fixture. What a relief!

Thanks much.

Warren Cassell

Some of those square units had a tab that was spring loaded to engage in the groove... it may be as simple as finding that tab and giving it a tug... WD40 might help, but if it gets on the ceiling you'll be on the painting thread asking for help.

Thanks much. Turns out that the bulb wasn't dead but the ballast was. Oh, and I was careful with the WD 40.

Cheers,

Warren