How do I change the lamp in this tv? Do I need to buy just the lamp or lamp with housing?

Replacement lamps with housing will cost between $175-200 at a retail store, this does not include installation. You can buy a lamp without the housing for near $75-100 but this requires you to remove the old lamp from the housing and installing the new lamp into the old housing, which can be tedious and potentially damaging if you do it incorrectly. BUY THE LAMP WITH THE HOUSING it will save you time and frustration.

ken moseley,

If you have never changed a lamp before I would buy the entire assembly. If you feel confident and have good hand tool skills I have a tip at http://www.fixya.com/support/r4168009-change_lamp_in_dlp_projection_tv which explains the process in detail both ways and also where to get the parts.

Thanks for using FixYa and for the great rating!!

hardocko

Here's how to replace a bare lamp w/ out buying the housing(it's a little bit cheaper that way)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFUVTwPD1HM

Here is how you get the lamp out of the tv...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqm59DTodp4

it's much easier to buy the lamp already in the housing and change it that way.

Google "DLP lamp" and you'll get many places from which to order lamps. Go to one of these sites and they should have a search box. Enter your model number and it should give you the part number of your lamp. Try several sites if the first one doesn't give you what you need to know. Once you have your lamp number you can shop the various sites for the best price. Note: You can buy your lamp complete (with the housing it comes in),..... or just the bulb and replace the bad one in the housing (cheaper)..... if you have the skills needed. If not buy it complete with housing. If you change the bulb only,.. don't touch it with your bare hands. Most bulb only packages come with rubber gloves.

Sounds like the lamp might be burned out. The Lamp should be replaced every couple years. If they are not replaced they will eventually burn out. Replacement is not that difficult and just requires a screwdriver. The lamp is located at the back of the DLP TV on the left side. The lamp can be purchased online from Samsung for about $130 dollars. You might be able to find a aftermarket one for less. Just use your telivision's model number located on the right side of the TV on sticker to cross reference the bulb that is needed or there might be a sticker on the back at the lamp housing that has the lamp part number. And make sure to spend the extra money and get the Lamp with the housing together. You can buy just the lamp for cheaper but that will require you to remove the old lamp from the housing and they are fragile. Much easier installation with the housing/lamp combo.

Encompass.com has the lamp you need for $248.94, the part number you gave 31419sn984a is correct. It is a bulb only you have to remove the lamp door then unscrew the lamp and pull it out of the set, then you must dismantle the housing and replace the bulb then put it back in the set and replace the door.

It's probably time to buy a new lamp. They can be very expensive to buy, sometimes up to 400 or 500 dollars. If you think the lamp might be failing prematurely, contact LG's support or warranty department to see what your options are. If you must buy a new lamp, you should check into relamping the existing housing for the bulb. Some bulbs are easy to change the bulb and leave the reflector, saving you money, however, most of them are not easy to change. you'll have to check online.

Installation is Quick and Easy:
In most cases, replacing your projection lamp is quick and easy. However, it is recommended that you consult your owner's manual for more detailed instructions:

Unplug your TV from your power outlet

Allow the lamp to cool for at least one (1) hour before replacing it

Remove the Lamp unit cover (Usually located at the rear of the television)

Unscrew the lamp housing unit

Remove the old lamp housing unit and discard

Screw in the new lamp housing unit

Place the cover back onto your TV unit Caution: Do NOT touch the bulb directly with your fingers.

that is one of the symptoms of a lamp failing. you can buy a lamp and housing for around 400 bucks.. or you can buy just the bulb for 100 or so and rebuild yours; its not hard at all.. here is the lamp part number (260962) google that number for the best prices. if you have any problems fixya live chat can walk you threw the steps..

Joann,
If you buy an original Sony lamp (and I would recommend you do) you will get the lamp with the housing and the allen wrench you need to change the bulb. You shouldn't need a ballast.The reasons to stick with an orginal Sony lamp:
1)You get the lamp with the housing. Some of the aftermarkets just send the lamp and reflector
2) the originals have far less problems than the aftermarkets. I have seen replacements fail early and not be bright enough.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. If you are happy with this solution, please rate it. Thanks!