Lamp Fitting & Timer Reset
Safe installation instructions and menu reset codes for all major projector brands.
CRITICAL WARNING: Explosion Risk
DO NOT reset the lamp usage timer unless you have physically replaced the lamp unit with a new one.
Projector lamps are high-pressure mercury arc vapour units. As they age, the quartz glass wall thins significantly. The projector timer is calculated to stop the lamp before the glass becomes too weak to contain the 200+ atmospheres of pressure inside.
If you reset the timer on an old lamp: You bypass this safety mechanism. The lamp will eventually shatter (explode) with a loud "gunshot" sound, scattering mercury-contaminated glass shards into your cooling fans, colour wheel, and optical engine. This causes collateral damage that often costs more to repair than the projector is worth.
Safe Installation Procedure
Follow these steps to replace your lamp module safely and correctly.
Cool Down
Turn off the projector and unplug the power cable. Wait at least 45-60 minutes. Lamps operate at >1000°C and can cause severe burns.
Extract
Locate the lamp door. Unscrew the door and the lamp housing retaining screws. Pull the handle firmly to slide the old module out.
Insert
Slide the new module in. Do not touch the glass lens/bulb with bare fingers. Tighten all screws—the projector won't start if screws are loose.
Reset Timer
Power on the unit. Locate your brand in the list below and follow the menu steps to reset the lamp counter to zero hours.
Lamp Timer Reset Database
Epson
LCDMenu > Reset > Reset Lamp Hours > Enter
BenQ
DLPMenu > System Setup: Advanced > Lamp Settings > Reset Lamp Timer
Optoma
DLPMenu > Setup > Lamp Settings > Lamp Reset > Yes
Sony
SXRDMenu > Function > Lamp Timer Reset > Enter
Note: On some models, press Reset then Left then Right then Enter while in standby.
Panasonic
LCD/DLPMenu > Projector Setup > Lamp Counter > Press Enter to Reset
NEC
DLP/LCDMenu > Reset > Clear Lamp Hour Meter > OK
Hitachi
LCDMenu > Go to Advanced Menu > Option > Lamp Time > Reset
ViewSonic
DLPMenu > System Setting: Advanced > Lamp Settings > Reset Lamp Timer
Vivitek
DLPMenu > Settings 2 > Advanced 1 > Lamp Hour Reset
Can't find your model?
Refer to your user manual. Look for sections titled "Maintenance", "Lamp Replacement", or "Reset". If you have lost your manual, most are available on the manufacturer's support website.
Need Professional Help?
If replacing the lamp didn't fix your issue, or if the unit is overheating, you may have a ballast or fan failure.
Technical Review by Claire E. - Electronic Engineer, Wells Electronics Ltd
Last Updated: January 2026