Dell Projector Troubleshooting Guide--Fixing Video and Display Issues

Table of Contents:

1. The Projector Does Not Power On
2. The Projector Locks Up, or a Bulb Error is Reported
3. The Projector has a Video (Quality) Problem
4. The Projector has a Fan Noise Issue

The Projector Does Not Power On

1. Disconnect the projector power cable
2. Press and hold the power button down for 15 seconds.
3. Reconnect the projector power cable
4. Press the power button look for any lights or fan noise, if none are found go to step 5.
5. Plug the projector into a different known-good outlet.
6. Try another power cable if available.
7. If the projector still does not come on, Contact Dell Technical Support.

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The Projector Locks Up, or a Bulb Error is Reported

1. Disconnect the projector power cable.
2. Check and reseat the bulb. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
   Note: You may be asked to provide the Service Tag of your Projector. To learn more about how to locate the Service Tag, reference Identify your Dell Monitor or Projector.
3. Reconnect the projector power cable.
4. Press the power button, if the projector still locks up:
5. When the projector is less than 90 days old, Contact Dell Technical Support.
6. When the projector or bulb is more than 90 days old: Browse to Dell Projector Lamp and Accessories to purchase another bulb.

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The Projector has a Video (Quality) Problem

The first recommendation is always to Reset the Factory Default Settings on the Dell Projector. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.

If this does not resolve the issues, determine the type of video problem on the projector from the issues listed below and follow the advice given:

The display appears dim:

Determine if the Startup Logo is projected properly-

If the logo appears corrupted:

1. The issue follows the video source: Contact the manufacturer of the video source.
2. The issue follows the projector or another video source was not available:
3. When the projector is less than 90 days old, Contact Dell Technical Support.
4. When the projector or bulb is more than 90 days old: Browse to Dell Projector Lamp and Accessories to purchase another bulb.

If the logo appears fine:

1. Adjust the brightness.
2. Disconnect the projector power cable.
3. Check and reseat the bulb. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
4. Reconnect the projector power cable.
5. Press the power button, when the logo sill appears corrupted:
6. When the projector is less than 90 days old, Contact Dell Technical Support.
7. When the projector or bulb is more than 90 days old: Browse to Dell Projector Lamp and Accessories to purchase another bulb.
8. Connect another computer or video source to the projector, if available.

There is a color-related problem with the display:

1. Reset the Factory Default Settings on the Dell Projector. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
   Note: You may be asked to provide the Service Tag of your Projector. To learn more about how to locate the Service Tag, reference Identify your Dell Monitor or Projector.
2. Reseat the projector video cable.
3. Run the Test Pattern. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
4. Confirm that the Cable is Less Than 50 Feet Long and is an Approved Cable Type.
5. Determine if the Startup Logo is Projected Properly.

If the logo appears corrupted:

1. Adjust the brightness.
2. Disconnect the projector power cable.
3. Check and reseat the bulb. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
   Note: You may be asked to provide the Service Tag of your Projector. To learn more about how to locate the Service Tag, reference Identify your Dell Monitor or Projector.
4. Reconnect the projector power cable.
5. Press the power button, when the logo sill appears corrupted:
6. When the projector is less than 90 days old, Contact Dell Technical Support.
7. When the projector or bulb is more than 90 days old: Browse to Dell Projector Lamp and Accessories to purchase another bulb.

The display exhibits horizontal or vertical lines:

1. Reseat the projector video cable.
2. Reset the Factory Default Settings on the Dell Projector. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
   Note: You may be asked to provide the Service Tag of your Projector. To learn more about how to locate the Service Tag, reference Identify your Dell Monitor or Projector.
3. Determine if the Startup Logo is Projected Properly.

If the logo appears corrupted:

1. Adjust the brightness.
2. Disconnect the projector power cable.
3. Check and reseat the bulb.
4. Reconnect the projector power cable.
5. Press the power button, when the logo sill appears corrupted:
6. When the projector is less than 90 days old, Contact Dell Technical Support.
7. When the projector or bulb is more than 90 days old: Browse to Dell Projector Lamp and Accessories to purchase another bulb.

The display appears distorted or blurry:

1. Reseat the projector video cable.
2. Adjust the Focus and Zoom on the Projector.
3. Press the Re-sync Button on the Projector, if available. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
   Note: You may be asked to provide the Service Tag of your Projector. To learn more about how to locate the Service Tag, reference Identify your Dell Monitor or Projector.
4. Verify that the Projector is Level.
5. Verify the Distance From the Projector to the Display.
6. Confirm that the Cable is Less Than 50 Feet Long and is an Approved Cable Type.
7. Determine if the Startup Logo is Projected Properly.

If the logo appears corrupted:

1. Adjust the brightness.
2. Disconnect the projector power cable.
3. Check and reseat the bulb. For more information browse to the Dell Product Manual page, once you select you device, select the User's Guide.
   Note: You may be asked to provide the Service Tag of your Projector. To learn more about how to locate the Service Tag, reference Identify your Dell Monitor or Projector.
4. Reconnect the projector power cable.
5. Press the power button, when the logo sill appears corrupted:
6. When the projector is less than 90 days old, Contact Dell Technical Support.
7. When the projector or bulb is more than 90 days old: Browse to Dell Projector Lamp and Accessories to purchase another bulb.

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The Projector has a Fan Noise Issue

Clogged or blocked air vents can cause serious performance issues by restricting air flow, and might cause the cooling fan to make an abnormal or a loud noise.

1. Inspect the fan for Physical damage.
   Note: Air vents may be located in various places depending on the projector. Reference the User Manual of your Dell projector. For more information about how to download and view the manual for your projector, reference Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product
2. Check the air vents for dust or debris.
3. Use a can of compressed air to remove dust or debris from the air vents, dust filters (if any), and cooling fan fins.
   Caution: It is recommended to use a can of compressed air only. Do not use vacuum cleaners or blowers. Vacuum cleaners and blowers cause static and may damage electronic and electrical components inside your computer.
4. Using the manual for your printer, check to see if it supports an ECO mode, which reduces lamp brightness and fan noise, it also saves power and lamp life.
5. Reference the Troubleshooting section of your Projector manual for more steps specific to your printer.

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Not Applicable

 Go to our Projector support page for more information and resources.