Pull the chain on the light fixture to 'on' and leave it there. The 'On/Off' dial on the timer is usually an 'override', you should probably see if it says 'automatic', or maybe... 'timer'. I think some of the older styles twisted on/off, but pulled in or out for the 'timer' setting.

Is it the older type with the movable little 'clips'?

Yes, that's what it is…moveable clips. There is a dial on the side that has off/on that you are right, is an override. If so, then I assume it would be in the off position for using the timer? What would you want to use the override dial for?

Okay, I'll give that a try, thanks. :-)

It's been quite a long time since I've used one of those. The override is for when, for whatever temporary reason, you need to turn the power leaving the timer on or off.

I don't remember how you set the override, I just suggest you do what I used to lol... just test it. It can be a pain, because those clips are so inaccurate, but hey, for lights, they're fine. The good thing about that type is that it's pretty much break-proof. It's just a wheel that turns. Can't get much more low-tech than that! Some were real fancy... they had 4 clips instead of the basic 2-clip model.

Oh, well, I agree, that just for turning lights on and off, it doesn't have to be all that precise. I already have seen how inaccurate they are, just trying to test them. I think I got one to work, it shut the light off, finally, so I think it was just the timing is off. And I like low tech! :-) Thanks