I started to google where to get a new lamp, or what else might cause this problem, and in fact I found something in a forum: There is a bi-metal switch inside the beamer which shuts off the device when it gets too hot. Normally this switch turns on the beamer after cooling down, but often it does not for some reason. All you have to do is to push this switch, somethiong that has apparently already worked for many users with similar problems.

Image 1: Unscrew these three screws on the back side ...

Image 2: ... and these three on the bottom side of the Sanyo PLV-Z4

Unfortunately you need to open the beamer to reach this switch. There are three screws on the back side and three on the bottom (see images 1 and 2). The bi-metal switch is located at the rear left side (see images 3 and 4). When I pushed it, I heard a soft “click” sound. Close the beamer again – the short screw belongs to the rear, right – switch it on, and … voilá: running again, great picture, no hint of any problem By the way, the newer PLV-Z5 seems to have the same switch and the same problem.

Image 3: The switch is located here

Image 4: Push me in

One important note: I cannot take any responsibility for trying this, in other words please send in your beamer for an expensive repair And note that there is normally a reason why the switch shut down the beamer: maybe the filter needs to be cleaned or the room temperature was too high. Such problems must be solved first! (In our case the air filter seems to have been the cause).

Well, we finally could watch our movie … the lamp is still running … I hope for quite some time

PS: Our lamp counts  1500 operating hours, life time is specified at about  2000 hours.

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In case you have indeed to replace the lamp, here s a direct link to Amazon (US and UK):