August 3, 2006
How to Change your Samsung DLP Lamp in 5 Minutes
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You power on your Samsung DLP. It takes extra long to turn on. Lots of clicking and a few power cycles? Your TV is trying a few times to get that pesky lamp going. Finally, the process ends with the dreaded three blinking lights. Your lamp is probably burned out. You’ve got a replacement lamp, right? 
First, sometimes you can stretch a little more life out of a tempermental, but not completely dead lamp. I’ve found that sometimes if I remove the lamp and put it back in, it’ll work. I’ve also found that colder temperatures can cause a failure, even temporarily. So don’t give up on it right away, especially if you don’t have a replacement. Wait a while (especially if that allows the room to warm up some) and try again. Or, pull the lamp out and put it back in.
Toshiba DLP Lamp
And if you do get it going, don’t turn off the set until you’ve got the replacement handy.
But when it’s finally given up the ghost, unlike the replacement of the Samsung DLP color wheel, changing the lamp is easy and can be undertaken by anyone. The only reason I’d call someone in to do this one is if it’s covered by your warranty (and in fact, I did this … three times!)
Where to Get a Replacement
Partstore.com
I purchase my replacement parts from Partstore.com. They have everything, ship quickly, and have decent prices. The part number for your bulb is probably on a label on the side of your television, near the access panel. If not, it’ll be on the lamp itself. There are many different DLP sets, so be sure to get a bulb that matches yours.
Change your Lamp in 5 Minutes
Required Tools
- Philips head screwdriver
0:01 Remove the access panel
Locate and remove the lamp access panel on the rear left of the set (left if you’re facing the front of the set). There’s one screw holding it in place. Remove that screw and ease the panel off. It removes most easily if you hold the back of the panel and slide it toward the side.
0:02 Remove the old lamp
Unscrew the two brass screws on each end of the base. They won’t come out completely as they’re designed to stay on the lamp as it’s removed. There’s a pull-handle for removing the lamp. Give that a tug, and if it gives and stops, you may need to loosen the screws more.
Pull out the lamp. Don’t touch anything other than the plastic casing as it can be hot. Put it in a safe place, especially if it isn’t entirely dead and you wish to keep it as a last-ditch spare.
Once the lamp is out, make a mental note of the color wheel in the space where the light shines. You may meet this part in a future episode of your television’s maintenance.
0:03 Insert the new lamp
Look at the connector plug at the top of the lamp so you know what you’re dealing with. Carefully slide the new lamp back in the same way the old one came out. That plug needs to connect with it’s mate, and the two tabs that the screws are on will meet flush with the ends of the rails. It can be tricky to get the new lamp back in. I watched a repair guy struggle with it for quite a while once. He just kept wriggling it. I wouldn’t recommend using force, however. Keep trying, it’ll go.
Once it’s in, tighten the screws that should already be there attached to the lamp.
0:04 Close up the access panel
Put the cover back on the set and secure it with the screw. The television has a sensor and will not turn on if this panel is not in place. This is a safety feature as things get hot in there.
0:05 Turn on the TV
Power up the television and if all went well, your set should start up like the old friend you know and love.
Next Steps
- Consider buying a backup lamp. By now I probably don’t need to convince you that your set could die in game 7 of the World Series, or right in the middle of your Super Bowl party. They’re expensive, but what do you expect? You dropped a lot of money on that set in the first place. Projectors need spare bulbs.
- Read up on the color wheel replacement and bookmark that page for later. This is the other thing that can go wrong with your DLP set, and you should know the signs of a dying color wheel.
Good luck.
I have recently changed my lamp. For the last 2 weeks my Samsung DLP model HLM507WX/XAA has worked wonderfully. I recently turned of the TV and tried to turn it back on to have the lamp light blinking (standby) only to result in the 3 infamous blinking lights. The bulb is still in good condition (not like my previous lamp which looked like it had blown). What on earth could be the issue? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Did you ever solve your problem.. we had the same thing, we just replaced the lamp and all three lights still blink… help
Your main computer chip is blown, or as the tech told me, the “brain” of the computer is fried. The part is over $800….get a new TV. I’ve had my Samsung over 6 years and virtually every internal part has been replaced, never again. The only reason I still have it is because of a 5 year warranty; which has paid for itself, and nothing has happened except for the bulb just going out.
I just replaced my lamp and when I turned it on, I get this loud groaning sound, then it shuts itslef off and on then the 3 lights just keep bblinking. Any suggestions.
i changed Bulb Reset to factory settings. Its keep shutting down any salutation?
remote control ceiling fans…
One notable blogging tool that does not support trackback yet is Blogger. As a result, TrackBack spam filters similar to those implemented…
I have a Samsung DLP and am trying to troubleshoot a problem. The indicator lights that show if the bulb needs to be replaced etc are not lighting up, however the screen is almost impossible to watch. There are many white vertical lines that come and go on the screen. Sometimes the picture is fine for a few minutes. I've had the cable company out numerous times and am told it's not a cable problem. The tv is 5 yrs old and not used a whole lot since it's in the basement. Any suggestions?
Hi.
I had the same problem with my 50 inch DLP. A tech came out and opened the back and found that the lead which plugs into the ‘computer’ which gives it its picture was not in properly. He said it wasnt a big problem and that if it happened again I should check that first.
I Found this site page to be very helpful even though I have a different make and model rear projection TV. But after I read this I bought a new lamp from DLP Lamps and changing was a cinch after I read this. Thanks. DLP a<LI>dlp lamp
Toshiba Picture Frame…
Thanks for creating this blog. I thought it was a very interesting read. It is so interesting reading other peoples personal take on a subject….
Pros And Cons Of Secondary Marketing Research…
It sounds interesting but I am not sure that I agree with you completely….
guys, dont throw the $$ away into these broken dlp’s with guesses….most (8/10) go down a long expensive road to failure and give up…just put the 100’s towards a new onem and don’t buy the brand that screwed you over if you can help it. lcd is the way 2 go for reliability…
Pat, most likely dmd, power supply or digital board…or any combination…you’ll end up putting a minimum of $400 max of $1000+ in just parts…put the $$ towards something new, with a warranty…and buy a LONG service plan… my dp just went too haver abour 4 years and a color wheel/lamp a year ago… They should be lasting longer than this and not costing hundred of dollars a year to fix….dlp = unproven if you ask me…we should all have grounds for a class action lawsuit….I feel ripped off.
If you hear of a class action suit, I am in! We threw in the towel and bought a Sony LCD.
I purchase these lamps for my company and have found Interlight at http://www.interlight.biz to be the cheapest and to always have stock
I had my Samsung DLP for 3 years and it was refurbish. I started to have same problem about 6 months ago. Does that mean it’s time to replace the lamp? Because my front LED is not flashing. Here are my question:
1. What’s the life on the lamp?
2. If it’s time to change the lamp, do I replace the bulb only or whole lamp?
Thanks for your help
replaced the lamp on hlp-4663. It worked the first time I turned it on. Then it went out and the “lamp” light is blinking green non stop. I have to unplug it to get it to power off. Whats up?
I have a HLN6065W. I lost the picture on Friday night. I replaced the bulb but that did not help. When I start it, you get the three beeps followed by a couple of clicking noises and then the lamp light blinks and after a few seconds it tries again to no avail. After a number of loops through this process all 3 lights start blinking. I am wondering if this is the ballast or the color wheel? Any thoughts?
THIS IS GOOD BEACUSE WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE STICKS. AND THERE IN NO TV REPAIR MAN AROUND .BEST BUY WANTS $50.00 to walk in your door and $179.an hour TO LOOK AT THE TV beacuse thy told you a service contract was not nessary, and too years down the road your 2 year old -$4000 TV THAT YOU CANT SEE.AND YOUR A SENIOUR WOMEN THIS HELPS.
Thanks for the great write up that is helpful.
Great Article
My Samsung 50′ HD has a 4′ or so shadow on the left side of the TV. Is this a bulb issue? I can see the picture through the shadow but it’s annoying to say the least. Help!!!
I had the same thing… then got green bars running virticle over SD pictures, green squares/rectangles running over HD pictures. But it all started when I first noticed the shadow bars you're talking about. What ultimately did you have done to fix this?
It’s your color wheel, The same thing happened to me about a year ago. I Had a warrenty at the time tho. Not sure how much they cost now but im trying to find out. Now I need a color wheel and a bulb on a 3 year old tv that i paid 2700 for at ultimate electronics
Great site and thanks for all the help. I found a great deal on a bulb for my 50 DLP bulb #BP96-00224J for $105.00 plus $12.00 UPS shipping. I will give you an update on the follow up….But thanks in advance…
Tim
I have a Samsung 61″ DLP and recently I got a 2″ vertical phantom line on the left side of the screen. The picture can still be seen, but it’s darker in that area. Is this a lamp issue?
hi i idid just that but the tv still wont work what do i do ? the light is still blinking
this was great thank you..
My color wheel needs to be replaced. I am contiplating changing the lamp at this time if the picture would be improved. The TV is about 4-5 yrs and I'm wondering if the picture quality is slipping.
Does the lamp show slow signs of wear or is it either working or not?
A lamp will dim over time. More important than years old is how many hours you've been running the lamp.
Even if it's not that noticeable, I'd get a new lamp and put it in. If you notice a difference, use the new one and keep the old one as a spare. If you don't notice a difference, then put the old one back in until you do or it dies.
you'll be glad you have the spare because it'll happen during the super bowl.
omg. thank u. my tv has been broken 4 months!!! i luv this!!!
Is there any such thing as a “light engine” on the Samsung DLP? I have one that is about 4 years old and it started making the noise described in the color wheel replacement section - high pitched buzzing that has gotten louder over time. I took it to a local TV repairman who charged me $150 just to evaluate it and basically told me that it was not the color wheel but rather the Light Engine (not bulb) and would be cost prohibitive to fix it. However, I am skeptical b/c of all the comments out there online about this TV, I have never heard mention of the Light Engine. Am I being bamboozled or should I believe what this guy is telling me???
Thanks!!!
The red temp light is staying on on my Samsung dlp. Why? Doesn't appear to have affected picture quality. Is it just a matter of time before something happens?
I am not a pro, but also have a 61″ and have what started out as a 6″ vertical line on the right side and same thing, I can see thru it as it was a shadow but now it is about 1/3 of the screen is like that. I had a repair guy come out and tell me it is the light engine (aka Optical engine) which is $800 to replace on my TV. I am going to scrap mine which is only 2 years old and buy a reman w/a 5 year warranty for $900
I changed the lamp, but the 3 lights are still blinking & the tv will not turn on
My tv goes off by itself!! Getting worse by the hour. I paid bucks this should not be happening so soon! I hae a projection tv that Ihave had for almost five years and never a gliche!! Wtf?
After watching tv for a while the picture get distorted so much that you can't see it, I turn it off and wait a couple of minutes to turn it back on then it's okey for a couple of hours. Would this be the lamp or the color wheel?
Rick,
I have the same problem. Did you get an answer to this.
Thanks
Jeff
Your the man!
i replaced the lamp and i wouldnt come one but…..i read on and didnt have the back casing in which keep the sensor from letting it work,,,,and know im a hog in heaven cuz it works and looks like new,,,,thanks so much for all the good advise,,,,it was so easy to replace the lamp following your intstructions….gary
I have a Samsung 6187 that shuts off at least 10 times during a 90 minute movie. It restarts, but what a hassle. Color is great. They’re used to be a loud hum, but that disappeared. Could've been the satellite receiver. I also hear occasional pops coming from the set. Any thoughts?
The problem was solved thanks to the excellent help from this site.
I simply moved to set from against the wall where it was flush to 6 inches away from the wall. No more shutoffs and restarts.
I guess this model — the 6187 — needs breathing room.
Thank you.
thank you, your instructions were right on point and you saved us alot of money!! Very helpful:)
ohhh thanks for that! my cousin's in need of that! oh yeah
great, thanks for those instructions, i just fixed our dlp. we just got the lamp delivered by ups and it is snowing here so i was wondering if the cold temp of the lamp will cause a problem when we turn it on right away now? any advise?
Thanks for the instructions! Everything went smoothly and I cut out the repair man's visit charge - put a real Samsung lamp in as well.
I have a Samsung HL-T5075S that appears to be completely dead. There no red standby light at all. Could this be a lamp or color wheel problem? Or a power problem? Just wondering what it might cost to get it fixed. Thanks in advance! David
how do you chang bulb in a samsung model hl-t6187s? thank you
Scott, I love you!
Just finished replacing both fans and the color wheel on my 2004 model HLP6163WX/XAA with the help of a friend. Cost was just under $200 for all three parts from PartStore.com. Took approximately 1 hour.
We had to remove the color wheel jumper to correct the colors and now everything is perfect!
No more TV shutting off, no more freight train sound!
FYI, this model would not have required the removal of all my input cables. A real time saver for someone in the future.
Thank you. Simply pulling the lamp and reseated it has got everything working well again. Who knows for how long but this repair took 5 minutes and was free.
Perry
Looks simple, but as long as you DLP is the same exact tv you are using, your ok. Mine is a 2005 Samsung Model HL-P5063W and it is nothing like what you are showing. There is no hatch on the side, the handle is in a different place, and you can back out 10 screws and it won’t move.
Brian,
I was able to use the directions to remove and reseat the lamp on my HL-P5063W easily. No there is not a side door but it is a 4 screw removal of an access panel on the lower right part of the back panel. The second picture accurately shows the 2 screws that need to be loosened and accurately depicts that they are held in by the housing so no worry about them falling out. Yes the picture is different but once the 2 screws are loosened you can slide out the housing that has the lamp in it and remove it easily. I didn’t go any farther as I reseated it to get some more life out of it so don’t know about pulling the lamp from the housing and can’t help there.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much! I thought my tv was broken!!!!!!! I ound this sight and BAM, I ordered the bulb and 5 minutes later I was rolling again. Thanks soooo much!!!!
hey ive changed my lamp but the “lamp” light just blinks still and the tv wont turn on, no unusual noises. im stuck
anyone know how i can fix it? im desperate
I ordered the bulb without the housing. When I was removing the old bulb from the housing I accidentally loosened the wrong screws. I think these screws are used to adjust thje position of the lamp in the housing. I tried to get it back the way it was, best I could. I’ve installed the new buld in the housing and I’m ready to slide it back into the set, I’m just worried that I’ve messed up the alignment. Hopefully it works OK. Just don’t loosen the screws that look like they have some putty around them.
ordered my bulb from DLPlampsource. $139 included free UPS 2nd day.
ty man nicee
Hey go to DLP Lamp Express $130.00 for the lamp & $150.00 with housing