Unscrew the cap nuts and drop the fixture down. Since the piece is still hooked up to electrical wires, it will just hang from the ceiling. Use a voltage tester to make sure there aren t any live wires. Disconnect the old fixture and set it aside. If necessary, remove the old plate and replace it with the new.
Some fixtures require an extension rod, which is screwed directly into the mounting bracket.
Push the wires up into the extension rod. Wire nut the wires from the new fixture to the corresponding wires that will supply power. Be sure that these connections are tight. Push all the wires up inside the electrical box. Finally, mount your new light fixture following the manufacturer s instructions.