This is a quick reference guide to show you how to reset your Samsung DLP TV’s lamp hour meter or hour counter. Resetting the counter is a very simple proceedure.
Begin with the TV powered off.
Point your remote towards your TV.
Press:
Mute + 1 + 8 + 2 + Power.
Your TV set should now say “Loading Factory”.
Browse down to “Option” then press Enter (or the right cursor button).
NOTE: The Mute+1+8+2 buttons needs to be pressed down consecutively and fairly quickly. If your TV does not enter the service menu after using this combination, you can substitute MENU instead of MUTE. This seems to work for some sets. Also, the right cursor arrow also acts as the ENTER button, so try it if you’re having difficulty with the ENTER button.
To exit the service menu, hit press the EXIT button or just turn off your TV (remember not to turn on your TV immediately afterward!).


clay says:
October 24, 2008 at 1:27 pm
well my samsung HLN617W went out the other day, i replaced the lamp and nothing, so i looked in behind and the color wheel was busted into many pieces. Ordered new color wheel,installed and still the lamp wont turn on. question#1- will the lamp turn on if color wheel is inoperatable? Question#2-how to test either lamp or lamp ballist using a volt meter? Question#3-what would make color wheel break into many pieces? why would this effect the lamp or ballist? I can see the color wheel spinning when i start tv with no lamp in it. Need help in trouble shooting this Thanks in advance Clay
tuan tran says:
October 31, 2008 at 2:25 pm
hi
Balist it very easy.
1) remove the lamp
2) use philip screw driver one screw each side
unscrew and unplug wire.
3) Balist about 6″ long 2″ wilth
4) make sure mark all wire before unplug.
them put new back in check all wire in place put
all the cover back them turn it on
hope you injoy it
tuan tran says:
October 31, 2008 at 2:27 pm
you need replace balist too.
Ken says:
November 1, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I have replaced the lamp on my Samsung and got to the menu to reset the lamp hours. How do I reset the hours. Pressed enter and nothing happend the hours are still at 9,684. How do I clear the hours and reset to zero. How important is this? Thanks.
Ken says:
November 2, 2008 at 3:10 pm
After installing the new lamp, I got to the menu to reset the lamp hours. But there weren’t any instructions on how to do it. I tried several things but the hours stayed the same. Could you provide that information please. Also how important is it to reset the hours.
Terry says:
November 3, 2008 at 6:34 pm
How do you check the lamp meter/counter for hours?
Tom says:
November 6, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I have a HLN5065W purchased in October, 2003. When the set was about 1 year old, it developed a horrible sound that I assumed were bad bearings on the light wheel. Service replaced the entire “light generator package”. At the time, I was told that this was the “whole light package which included the wheel”. They told me it cost over $1,500. My original light suddenly and finally went out last week. Three blinking lights. I ordered a new OEM replacement lamp and within minutes had the lamp replaced in the housing and installed in the set. I turned the power back on the set. The lamp and picture came on but there was a very loud humming sound. It appears that the fan is running. Cound this be the bearings on the light wheel? Why would this start now? I have tried re-installing the light package several times thinking something might be binding, but this did no good. I left the power on and it shut itself off. What should my next step be? It appears that I can replace my set for the cost of repairing the light wheel. Please help.
Kyle says:
November 8, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Hey all. Have a Samsung dlp HLR5067. Over the last few months have had the problem of the tv freezing with the sound. Tried fixing it by “Jimmying” the blue lamp door switch/censor in the up position with no luck. When i get the TV on now the entire screen is covered with green, white, and black squares. Tv was purchased in Jan. 06 (last financial aid check, figured go big)without the 400 dollar extended warranty. Lamp has 4421 hours on it. Not look into dropping over 1000 dollars to try and fix when i could by a new tv for that price. Any help would be great. Oh yeah, closest authorized Samsung tech is 3 hours away.
Thanks for the help
–Kyle–
FixYourDLP.com says:
November 8, 2008 at 1:53 pm
It sounds like it might be a light engine issue, which will be very expensive to fix. See if you can take some photos and post them up on the forums. Someone might be able to help you fix it.
FixYourDLP.com says:
November 8, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Sounds like a color wheel. There is no “light wheel” — the horrible sound was probably the color wheel originally. Some places that replace the light engine also replace the color wheel since it sits in the light engine. If they had the engine without a color wheel, they would have used your original wheel, which was still faulty. Color wheels run $100-150 dollars and take about 3 hours to replace.
FixYourDLP.com says:
November 8, 2008 at 1:56 pm
mute 182 power
Mike G. says:
November 10, 2008 at 8:52 am
I have a Samsung 46″ DLP ( HL- S4676S ) I am actually on hold with Samsung as I write you this. I purchased this TV Nov. 25, 2006. My 3rd bulb has gone on the TV and I am in need of a 4th. I have another family member who has had the same bulb still going after 4.5 years. I am really frustrated being that Samsung had someone look at the TV while it was still under warranty and it was just probably a bad bulb, or a fluke. Well, obviously I’m not thinking it is a fluke anymore. Was wondering if you have any suggestions? The Tv has never been moved since purchase, and I’m well aware that once you turn off a dlp it should not be turned back on for at least 5 minutes. Also the tv is about 12″ from the wall which I feel is well ventilated. Just really frustrated and disappointed. Plus the fan does run if wondering, and removed the bulb which looks ok, but lights are flashing as if bulb went. Please Help if can!!
ziggy says:
November 10, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Hi!
I have Samsung DLP HL P4663W. Last winter it was shutting off by it self once in while. I tought it may because it was cooler in the room. That problem went away and it was good untill now when it shut down and it can not be turn ON. When press with remote control only “timer” is flashing and nothing happend.
Please help How to start with this?
Thank you for any advices
ziggy says:
November 10, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I have reset the lamp hours by pressing mute,1, 8, 2 power.
The TV is ON now. What to do now. How do I check lamp hours, shuld I replace lamp? The Tv is 4 years old.
Thank you
ziggy says:
November 11, 2008 at 1:13 pm
The lamp has 7000 hours.
Kyle says:
November 12, 2008 at 2:59 pm
It’s Kyle again, i have been dealing with samsung about the screen freeze problem and am starting to feel like they are just going to give me the run-a-round. I talked to the Authorized samsung tech (who is about three hours away) and he said he’s seen about 50 of these samsung dlp’s and said that all have been digital boards. Now im stuck with the decision of scrapping my 2000 dollar investment with only 4400 hours on it, or dropping another 500 into it(at least). And i would venture to guess that with 4400 hours on the lamp it will need replacing in the near future at another couple of hundred bucks). Anybody fix this problem on the cheap or have any other advice?
Thanks,
–Kyle–
Rawn says:
November 20, 2008 at 6:33 am
I have a HL-P5663W set. It is making a screeming noise and the screen is black for a while and then comes on. Once on if the screeming starts again the colors become very wierd. It sounds like the color wheel dies that sound right? Also I can not get the lamp counter to work does this set have a different code?
Thanks for any help this site is great.
Rawn
Jim says:
November 22, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Ziggy – Sorry for the late reply but I have the same model as you and experienced the same problem – shutting off by itself. Mine also appeared to “fix” itself but after about 3 or 4 months it got worse. As it was under warranty, I called the tech and they came out and replaced the bulb. No charge but it would have cost $195 for the bulb and assembly and $150 labor. That was a month shy of 2 years ago. Of course, my warranty now is up and the picture was getting darker and darker and then the bulb just blew. I ordered a new bulb from Discount-Merchant for $110 4 days ago and just installed it. Great picture now and no problems (knock on wood).
Rick says:
November 29, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Bought a Samsung DLP 61″ in oct 05. Lamp has not yet burned out. Already reached 12818 hours lifespan on original bulb. Also was bought off showroom floor as GoodGuys was going out of business.
Phil says:
December 15, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I purchased my Samsung HR-L5067 in January of 2006 and I now have just over 9440 hours on my lamp. 3 months ago, the tv began to flicker whenever there was a bright white background or dynamic picture. It has gotten progressively worse and is now almost unwatchable. Can you tell me if this is the bulb or something else. There is no noise (like a fan or color wheel) just the flickering and blue screen displaying the message “Not Supported Mode”. Any help would be appreciated.
Tommy says:
December 16, 2008 at 12:42 am
I accidentally cleared the lamp hours before I actually saw where it was displayed… Anyway to retrieve that? Not sure if these things have logs or not… Probably out of luck but figured I’d ask you!
Thanks!
John says:
December 23, 2008 at 11:03 am
Mine did that, and it was the color wheel.
John says:
December 23, 2008 at 11:11 am
A tech just replaced my color wheel. He took out a 12×12 inch tray and popped in the new color wheel – Took about 15 minutes. Why was that so fast compared with all the other posts / sites I see about it taking several hours and being tedious? Thanks
fasteddie47 says:
December 23, 2008 at 8:58 pm
i just got a samsung hlp5674 and replace the lamp blow up after two days. i dont know if i got a bad one or if its my TV, i dont want to go get a new one if it just going to blow that one up to. i was thinking maybe the fan is not going on to keep the lamp cool and it blow up . are there any test i can do to find out whats going on ?
Brandy says:
December 24, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I have replaced my bulb after 3 1/2 years with a lot of television viewing time. When the light TV is on, there are no lights on the TV button. I just wanted to make sure this is correct. I couldn’t remember if the TV green light used to stay on continuously. Also, if it’s not on, am I doing something wrong? The tv works fine. When the tv is off, the red standby light is on. (which is correct) of course, i cant find my owners manual. Thanks. And be kind. I’m a woman. LOL
Brandy
Brandy says:
December 24, 2008 at 4:28 pm
In case I confused anyone, I meant when the TV is ON, there are no lights on the TV button. When it is off, the red standby light is on. When the TV first turns on, the standby/temp, and green lamp button flashes 3 times and then goes completley out. The TV is working fine. I just replaced the bulb. Maybe is because I didn’t replace the timer? Thanks.
jodi says:
December 25, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I talked w/ support….most likely bulb problem had samsung tv 60 inch for 4 yrs. purchased bulb…..used fed-ex 2 day…. followed online instructions from this site for installation…VERY EASY….i am a simple housewife… replaced..cleared hours (4818hours)….would use them again…..
Brandy says:
December 30, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I replace the bulb, but the lamp on green light wont come on. It flashes 3 times and then goes off(the green light, not tv) The tv is working fine. Does the bulb hours need to be reset or do I need to be worried about the lamp on green button not coming on?
Thanks
Bruce says:
December 31, 2008 at 11:12 am
Does anyone know if there is a class action lawsuit against Samsung for selling this shoddy product?
Brandy says:
January 4, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Okay. The TV stayed on for about 1 week. Now it wont come on at all. All 3 lights are now flashing, but I just replaced the bulb. I have no idea what to do. I’m not sure if I want to take it to a TV repair shop and spend up to 600 for repairs or get a different type of television. Any advice?
lynntho says:
January 7, 2009 at 2:18 pm
After reading about the problems people are having with their Samsung DLP televisions, I wanted to write something positive about the brand. I’ve had my 46″ Samsung since 2004. I checked the projection lamp hours today…9099. After almost 5 years of service the color wheel is starting to fail. Like TVs of old and automobiles of today, tube fail and parts wear out. I’ll have the color wheel replaced. But a new lamp when necessary and I’ll expect my Samsung to provide the same excellent picture quality for five more years. I’ve not seen a set with better picture quality and ease of operation than this one. I think it’s a winner!!
sherry says:
January 10, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I doubt you are still reading the forum here, but if you are we are having the exact issue as you and we have the exact model. Please tell us what you have found out! We will check back here to see if you have answered. Sherry & Bernie
Bruce says:
January 27, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I have just found this site and was hoping to get some help. I have a HLN5065W it is 5 yrs old. Recently the picture will start to flicker and jump around after the tv has been on for about 10 mins. Shortly after this begins to happen the set will shut off with all three lights flashing. Picture quality is still great until the flickering begins. I am leary to replace the lamp which is the original just to find out that it is something else. Don’t want it to become a money pit. Any ideas or solutions would be appreciated.
Nate says:
January 31, 2009 at 1:35 pm
You will need to replace your hyperboard caps and also check your ballast.
sash says:
February 3, 2009 at 8:44 am
i dont know who i can reset my lamp timer after changing the lamp,my tv is the Samsung tantus SP-40J5HA…can anyone help me please ???
Donnell says:
February 4, 2009 at 10:43 am
I am having the same exact problem with my HLP4663W and I don’t know what to do either
HELP!!!!
Donny says:
February 5, 2009 at 7:32 pm
hello, It seems like I’m now having the same problem with my Samsung.
I bought a new lamp assembly thinking that was going to fix my problems but the TV still won’t turn on and also has a loud sound coming from the back fan area. Was just wondering what it was that was wrong with yours…
Marcus says:
February 6, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I have a samsung hls7646, bought in January ’07. First bulb blew in August ’08. Purchased replacement bulb, it blew in Jan. 09. I am installing my third bulb when I get home today. Is there any truth to the internet rumor of the “dynamic” picture setting lessening the bulb life? I’m tired of having problems. Is there a bigger problem that is causing the bulbs to blow?
Brent says:
February 9, 2009 at 1:53 am
I have a samsung hl-r4226w, bought in August 06. Just replaced first bulb. Now I am having another problem. Sometimes the picture gets pixels all over the screen or half the screen . The problem comes and goes. It clears up if I tap on the bottom of TV or tilt it. Please advise. Thanks
Brian says:
February 13, 2009 at 8:23 am
On the bright side… Last night I began getting the whirring/buzzing sound on my HL-R5067W. I believe the color wheel needs replacing. I ran the factory settings menu, checked my lamp hours and it told me an unbelievable 11,296hrs. I am an avid gamer obviously… and I will happily replace my lamp and color wheel for another 3 years and 11,000hrs of play. This is a great TV and to be honest I never expected to get this much life from it. I will order my parts today and will keep you posted on the results of the surgery.
Brian says:
February 13, 2009 at 1:17 pm
What did you end up getting? As that is the same bulb I will be looking for any info would help.
Long says:
February 13, 2009 at 5:47 pm
How do you look up how many hours are on the lamp?
Roman Masek says:
February 15, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Make sure all your cables are in good working order and properly connected without any oxidation. It looks like some type of cold solder or loose connector inside. If you have some mechanical experience I would take the back cover off and slightly tap with the handle of a screwdriver on cables/connectors and boards trying to get as close as possible to the source of the problem you are describing but you have to know what you are doing and where you are tapping to make sure you don’t do more harm to the injured already plus watch for 120 voltage.
julie says:
March 10, 2009 at 8:41 pm
i have a 5 yr old 62 samsung dlp hl-p6163w. last night it sounded like something popped, picture went out and is making a loud humming noise. we have replaced the lamp last year and the lamp looks ok. please help!
FixYourDLP.com says:
March 11, 2009 at 10:04 am
Sounds like your color wheel. Your color wheel is on a baring and spins around very fast. If it gets knocked off the baring and broken it tends to make a loud humming noise.
Knute says:
March 16, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I have a Samsung HL-R6167W about 5 years old. It has worked great, never replaced the lamp. All of a sudden it is acting very strangely. It will not respond to the remote or on set controls other that to first freeze the picture, then go blank for a couple of seconds, then come back on with sound and then go silent. I have to unplug to turn off. It will not change channels. I thinkthis is more than a lamp problem.
duane says:
March 20, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I have Samsung HL-P6163W That I purchased over four years ago. I have noticed in the past month that the picture has started to dim and in the last week or so, it has been hard to watch during the daytime. I used the procedure above to check my hour meter. I was not really surprised (I watch alot of tv) to see that the hour meter had reached over 10000 hours on the original bulb. I am happy with that lifetime and think that it is time for a new bulb.
As for extending the bulb life, I say don’t turn it off unless you are not going to be watching it for a while. Heat cycling the bulb reduces the life of the bulb.
FixYourDLP.com says:
March 20, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Impressive Duane…6K-7K is the mean, so you’re either lucky or you’re doing something right! In any case, it’s always a good idea to keep a spare on hand, you never know when these things might go out!
FixYourDLP.com says:
March 20, 2009 at 4:53 pm
WOW, that’s got to be up there on the longest living lamps…
Christina says:
March 24, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I’m having the buzzing/humming problem with my DLP also. I’m not convinced that it is the color wheel though… it only makes the noise when the input comes from my cable box or pc. If the signal is from the antenna or DVD there is no humming at all. I have checked the connections, tried different cables, even got a new cable box from the cable company. I have tried switching the cables from Component 1 to Component 2, but still get the buzzing. I just keep thinking if it was the color wheel, it would always make the noise. It stops as I switch from one type of input to another and is totally silent when it is on the antenna input.
Thanks for any ideas in advance!
Christina
FixYourDLP.com says:
March 25, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Christina,
Where is the humming noise coming from exactly?
Rey says:
April 4, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Did you ever get your tv to work. I have the same problem.