This handy step-by-step guide shows you how to change the NEC M260W projector lamp.
Buy authentic!
The first thing to do is buy an OEM replacement NEC M260W projector lamp. Your NEC M260W projector uses the NEC NP15LP projector lamp. Avoid the cheaper generic lamps with their shorter lamp life and toxic materials. They are prone to explosions and often damage the sensitive electronics in your NEC M260w projector.
NOTE: New air filters are shipped with the lamp and it’s recommended you replace them at the same time.
Find this lamp sold on Amazon by these authorized dealers:
- Lutema for NEC NP15LP Replacement DLP/LCD Cinema Projector Lamp – Philips Inside
- NP15LP NEC NP15LP Projector Lamp
- NP15LP – Lamp With Housing For Nec NP-M300X, NP-M260X, M300X, M260X, M260W, NP-M260W, NP-M230X, M260XSG, M260XS, M260WS, M230X Projectors
- NP15LP – Lamp With Housing For Nec NP-M300X, NP-M260X, M300X, M260X, M260W, NP-M260W, NP-M230X, M260XSG, M260XS, M260WS, M230X Projectors
When to replace the NEC M260W projector lamp
How will you know the the NEC NP15LP projector lamp needs to be replaced and is reaching end of life? Watch for the following signs:
- the LAMP indicator will begin to blink red
- message on screen reads LAMP HAS REACHED THE END OF ITS USABLE LIFE. PLEASE REPLACE THE LAMP AND FILTER.
- colour looks off
- picture is faint or has deteriorated
Checking the end of the NEC M260W projector lamp
Track the life of the NEC M260W projector lamp with the usage time menu. The progress indicator shows the percentage of remaining bulb life:
- Go to INFO menu
- Scroll down to USAGE TIME to display the LAMP LIFE REMAINING and LAMP HOURS USED
- When the lamp usage reaches 0, the Lamp Life REMAINING starts a count down from 100 hours
- When the count down reaches 0, the projector will turn off and not turn on.
Changing the NEC NP15LP projector lamp
Follow these important safety instructions before installing the new NEC NP15LP projector lamp
- turn off the NEC M260W projector.
- unplug the projector from its power source.
- unplug the power cable.
- wait until the projector is cool to the touch to avoid getting burned.
Loosen the NEC M260W projector lamp cover screw.
Push and slide the lamp NEC M260W projector lamp cover off.
Loosen the two screws holding the NEC NP15LP projector lamp in place. (The screws will not come out only loosen.)
Remove the projector lamp by holding the indent and pulling up.
NOTE: Your NEC NP15LP projector lamp should be properly recycled. These lamps contain mercury and can’t be placed into common garbage.
Install a new lamp housing into the NEC M260W projector, gently pressing the projector lamp housing into the socket. Take care not to touch the actual bulb as your finger prints can leave oil marks that burn black marks onto the bulb.
Push the top center on the projector lamp to secure it. Tighten the screw on the lamp.
Reattach the NEC M260W projector lamp cover by sliding the cover until it snaps into place. Tighten the screw on the lamp cover.
Replacing the filters
There are four filters in the NEC M260w projector:
- Honeycomb hard filter – large and small
- Accordion soft filter — large and small
Replace all four filters at the same time. Before replacing the filters wipe off any dust and dirt that came loose from the old filters. NOTE: The filters are made with two different types of material in the membrane. Both perform the same.
Push the catch to release the NEC M260w filter and gently pull it out.
The filter cover is fixed at six separate points in the projector. Bow the filter cover by pushing it slightly until it releases.
- Filter unit: Attach two honeycomb hard filters to the NEC M260W filter unit.
- Filter cover: Attach the two accordion soft filters to the filter cover. Be sure to align the accordion slits with the protrusions of the filter cover.
Attach the filter cover back to the filter unit. Align the filter until with the filter cover and push the protrusions into place. Make sure all the six mounting points are aligned properly.
Insert the two catches of the top of the filter into the groove of the cabinet. Push the filter until it clicks into place.
Reset the NEC M260W projector lamp timer
Once the NEC NP15LP projector lamp and NEC M260W projector filter have both been replaced you will need to reset the timer for both. You want the projector to be able to accurately track the lamp life.
Clear usage hours and reset hours
- Plug in the power cored into the wall outlet.
- Turn on the projector.
- From the MENU select RESET.
- Choose CLEAR LAMP HOURS.
- A confirmation message appears.
- Select YES.
Reset the filter hours:
- Scroll up to CLEAR Filter HOURS.
- A second submenu will appear.
- Select YES. Press the ENTER button.
Extending the life of the NEC M260W projector lamp
Get your newly installed NEC NP15LP projector lamp will last longer by choosing the ECO option. The ECO MODE increases lamp life by lowering the power consumption. There are three modes to choose from:
- Auto Mode: 4000 hours
- Normal: 5000 hours
- Eco ModeL 8000 hours
Learn more tips to extend the life of the NEC NP15LP projector lamp.
