Incandescent garage bulb turns off immediately after being turned on

 I have a light fixture in my garage, and when I put a normal
incandescent light bulb in it, I cannot reliable turn the light on.
That is, when I flick the switch to "on", I can see the bulb turn on
for a fraction of a second and then turn off, and stay off.  If I
repeat this process a few times, the light will eventually stay on for
a few seconds, but then turn off again.

The fixture does not have a light sensor in it, and it was working
reliably for years until recently.  Can anyone give me a clue as to
what's going on?

 
Either the bulb, the switch or the socket is broken, or the wire(s) have
worked loose.  If you have changed the bulb, my next suspect would be
the switch.  Remove the plate, unscrew if from the box and pull it out
of the wall.  If the screws appear tight, connect (CAREFULLY) a jumper
across the switch. If the bulb now comes on and stays on, replace the
switch.  Otherwise, unless you are experienced with electrical
fixtures/wireing, call an electrician.

--
Rich Greenberg  Sarasota, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com  + 1 941 378 2097
Eastern time.  N6LRT  I speak for myself & my dogs only.    VM'er since CP-67
Canines: Val, Red, Shasta, Zero & Casey (At the bridge)        Owner:Chinook-L
Canines: Red & Cinnar (Siberians)  Retired at the beach  Asst Owner:Sibernet-L