When the color wheel starts to go out, what happens is the picture will usually be very faint and pulsate with no color (just black and white). This will last for about 10 to 20 secs then the projector will shut off. If you have a clear picture then it could be your lamp. Need more info. Does the projector shut off after the red light appears? Also you can pull the lamp out and clean the contacts with electrical contact cleaner which can be bought online or at your local radio shack. Pick up some denatured alcohol while you are there. While your lamp is out, use compressed air to blow out dust and debris from the fans and color wheel. You can clean one side of the color wheel very easily while the lamp is out. Use a q-tip with the denatured alcohol. Wipe from the middle towards the outer part gently. If you do it at a slight angle you can turn the wheel while you clean it. To clean the other side requires removal of the outer casing. Make sure your lens is clean as well. Use the compressed air to remove dust/debris from it. If you notice smudges on the lens, you can clean it with the denatured alcohol. Do not use any other type of cleaner on it and use a very soft cloth, preferably one made for cleaning plastic eye glasses. Be very gentle as the lens can easily be scratched. A build up on the lens can cause the error you described as well. If you are able to get into the menu, check and make sure your lamp hours are not maxed out. If they are reset the counter.