Mitsubishi WD-52631 DLP TV *possible fix*

by THE_BASHER - 8/19/08 7:29 PM

My Mitsu 52631 has had the "air flow" message as long as I've had it. I've researched this problem a couple of times now, and I've seen several recommendations on online forums, but I've yet to see this solution posted:

On the rear of the TV, there is a small removable panel that has instructions on lamp replacement and disposal. There are two (2) shiny flathead screws, remove them, and pull the lamp cartridge out (it actually has a handle to do so). DO NOT TOUCH THE LENS OF THE LAMP! The oil from fingerprints will decrease the life of the lamp. Once you remove the lamp cartridge, hold it by the handle and examine it. There are three (3) screens/filters on the lamp cartridge, two(2)large screens and one(1) small screen. The small screen is the inlet air filter, mine was completely CLOGGED WITH DUST! I used a toothbrush to brush away the dust and blew the lamp cartridge off with a can of compressed air (the kind for cleaning keyboards), and the TV has worked well since. This fix takes about 15 minutes. I can't guarantee that it will work for everyone, but it worked for me. This is still Mitsubishi's fault, THEY SHOULD HAVE BUILT IN AN EXTERNAL FILTER THAT COULD BE EASILY CLEANED OR REPLACED! IT SHOULD NOT REQUIRE DISCONNECTING ALL OF YOUR A/V EQUIPMENT TO FREQUENTLY REMOVE AND CLEAN THE LAMP CARTRIDGE!