Sanyo Pro XtraX Turns Off, Red Light, Yellow Light, and more…

It’s official, I despise Sanyo projectors, and will NEVER buy another Sanyo product, Projector, TV, nothing.  I’m sticking with Epson projectors.

Different model numbers are all called “Pro Xtrax”!  There are at least 5 different models all called Pro Xtra x.  I’ve seen various PLC XU43, XU73, XU35,  XU32, and XU105.  I’m sure there are more, but those are the model numbers I’ve seen.  Now, try to find a owner’s or user’s manual for these things and it will drive you crazy!

Secondly, the menu system is ridiculous.  The horizontal then vertical menu’s are confusing and look like they were programmed by someone who was dyslexic.

Ok, here are some problems and solutions I’ve run into.

Sanyo Pro Xtrax Shuts down after 30 seconds

If your Sanyo Pro Xtra X projector turns on, looks great and then shuts down after 30 seconds or less (I’ve seen them stay on for 20 seconds and even one only stayed on about 5-10 seconds), try these two solutions and hopefully it will fix it.

1. Replace the mainboard.  Two projectors overheated blowing a capacitor. That is what the repair guy told me. I don’t know what or how it actually happened, but I think it was related to the filters getting plugged with dust and dirt and not being replaced and cleaned regularly.

2. Replace the bulb. One projector also had the yellow “Lamp Replace” (or “Replace Bulb”, I don’t remember which) light on. I tried a second bulb and that actually fixed it. With this one I think the bulb was overheating, and the projector was fine. In a related incident, I had the exact same symptoms, shutting down almost instantly, and no yellow (or amber colored) light was on. I replaced the bulb and it worked.

Sanyo Pro XtraX won’t turn on, Red Light flashes

This problem also has two solutions from what I’ve noticed and is related to overheating.

1. Unplug power, clean filters. If you’re comfortable, take out the bulb and take off the cover. When you have it apart, blow some canned air inside and blow as much dust out of it as you can. The more dust and dirt that gets in there, the less air flows through the unit. After about 5 minutes, plug the power cord back in. FYI, turning the unit off will not reset it, you actually have to unplug the power cord.

2. Replace main board. Unfortunately the other solution is to replace the mainboard (motherboard). For us, this solution isn’t a solution because the repair cost is almost as much as a new projector so we end up throwing out the old projector and buying a new one.

Update: I ran into a different Sanyo Pro Xtra X with a flashing red light, and then a flashing orange or amber colored light. The only solution I found was replacing the motherboard on that one as well.