How to Replace a Projector Lamp

Last Updated: May 21, 2024

It's just another day of enjoying your Projector or Rear Projection TV when all of a sudden you see the dreaded lamp warning indicator telling you it will be time soon to replace the projector lamp. With these simple steps, you will learn how to replace a projector lamp and be back to enjoying your projector or TV in no time.

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-1.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Luckily, you'll only need a manual screwdriver to remove the panel. You will also want to have a soft, non-abrasive cloth handy to help avoid any contact with your fingers and the lamp assembly. A Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloth is recommended.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-2.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

After the unit has cooled down properly, remove the power cord from the outlet and the unit completely.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-3.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The lamp compartment on projectors is usually located underneath the projector unit. For Rear Projection TVs, the lamp compartment should be located in the rear towards the bottom left or right side of the TV. 2-4 screws will be holding the compartment in place. Removed the screws and the lamp compartment door.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-4.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Carefully pull out the lamp assembly and disconnect any power cords that may still be connected to the lamp assembly. Put it aside and don't get it confused with your new lamp!
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-5.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Dust gets everywhere and while you have the projector open, use a soft cloth or micro-fiber cleaning cloth to remove any loose dust from the lamp compartment.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-6.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Carefully reconnect any power cables to the new lamp if present and slide the new lamp into the compartment in the same orientation that the original lamp came out.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-7.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Set the lamp compartment door back into place and securely screw in the door without screwing it in too tightly.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-8.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Instructions on how to do this should be covered by the instruction manual.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-9.jpg\/aid296608-v4-728px-Replace-a-Projector-Lamp-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Enjoy your projector or TV again and make sure you have a backup lamp handy in case the lights go out unexpectedly.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I have a Sony projector. I replaced the lamp, but now the power will not come on. What do I do?

Community Answer

Turn it off and then try again. If it doesn't work, you may need to provide more detail for further diagnosis.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Save money by taking care of your projector lamp before and after it is installed.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 4
Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloths are ideal for the handling of Projector Lamp Assemblies.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
Have a ton of cables plugged into your projector or TV? Mark each cable with tape and label each cable with what it should be plugged into before you replace the lamp. You will be surprised how easy it is to forget where things go.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Do NOT touch the lamp assembly directly with your hands. Skin oils are known to affect the life of your projector lamp causing the lamp to overheat and prematurely fail.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4
Be Green. For information on how to properly dispose of your lamp, visit LampRecycle.org

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

Manual Screwdriver. Do NOT use an electric screwdriver.
Clean soft cloth or Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloth. The cloth should be dry - a wet cloth may damage the lamp when you turn it on.

Log in

How to Replace a Projector Lamp

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories