8 Troubleshooting Projectors

You should know the following terms:

• Canned Air
• MacOS Display Settings and Control Center
• Projector
• VGA Cable
• Windows Projector Settings

Teachers who are new to using projectors may encounter issues with having them work properly. Use the following troubleshooting steps to help your  teachers. Five common issues are addressed in the table below:

Connection Issues

Check to ensure all connections at the wall, into the projector, and into the computer are snug and active. If the projector uses a VGA cable, be sure the screws are fully tightened. Try some canned air to gently clean out any connections.

You may need to disconnect and reconnect any cables. Do so one at a time to identify any bad cables. The first rule of troubleshooting is to try only one thing at a time so you don’t complicate or obscure issues. Connect a computing device from another room that you know works to be sure the post has not gone bad. If you determine it is the projector, enter it into your repair process to determine whether it should be repaired or replaced.

The issue could be with the computing device. You can try the current computer on a different projector or try another port or method of connection to the projector, if available. If it’s the computer, determine whether it can be repaired or replaced.

User Errors

Know whether the model of projector you are working with has a preferred sequence for booting up the projector and computer. Some projectors should be turned on before the computer, others are the opposite, and for some the sequence doesn’t matter.  

Does the user understand how to use the INPUT on the remote or on the projector  to connect? Some users may not understand all of the input options and which is best for their device. 

Make sure users are using the correct connector, and if they are using an adapter, make sure it is the correct one and that it works. Try swapping it out with one you know works.

Be sure the user understands how to project from their computer to the projector. It can be confusing to some people, especially when using different devices or operating systems they are used to. Refresh your understanding of connecting on Windows versus a MacOS below.

Windows

Press Windows Key + P to go to projector settings (Not to be confused with CTRL + P for Print). 

• Select PC Screen only to view only on your computer monitor..

• Select Duplicate to display the same information on both the computer monitor and projector.

• Select Extend if you want to display different information on the computer monitor from the projector.

• Select Second Screen Only to display information only on the projector.

MacOS

Turn on the computer. Connect the connector to the projector cable and then to the computer. Turn on the projector. The display should automatically be detected. 

The MacOS also has a Control Center feature in the Menu Bar that can be used to change display settings. Note that on some older devices, it may be necessary to go to System Settings>Displays and change the order of the screens.

Bulb Issues

Bulbs are meant to only last for a certain number of hours. When a bulb begins to burn out, it usually makes your screen look discolored, very often typically yellowish or greenish. To troubleshoot, begin by checking all of the connections and cables to ensure it’s a bulb issue. You may need to test with a cable that you know works well.

Do you have a record of the date the bulb was added to the machine? Check to see if it is near the end of its expected usage life. Replace the bulb with one you know works.

Projector Not Powering On

If you are turning the projector on with a remote, be sure the batteries are still good. Also be sure all of the cables are snug and working and you know the computer works. Bring in a device and cables you know work, or take them to another room to test.

Make sure the projector is not still in the process of warming up. A blinking green light can indicate the projector is on but not warmed up completely. Blinking orange or red lights may indicate the lamp is close to its usage life and will need to be replaced soon.

If you get a “No Signal” message when you try to turn it on, it can mean your VGA cord has gone bad. Try one that you know works.

Was the last user able to turn the projector off, or did it shut down automatically? If the latter, the projector may be overheating (see the next section). If nothing works, your projector may need to be repaired or replaced.

Projector Overheats

If the temperature light is blinking orange or red, it usually means the projector is overheating and needs to be cleaned. Be sure to clear any clutter from around the projector and remove any items blocking the vents. 

Let a projector cool completely before cleaning it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Chemical cleaners and canned air are not recommended as they can leave residue. Canned air can push debris into the projector, the air filter, or lens. Use a gentle, hand-held vacuum to clean the projector. In some cases, you may need to replace the air filter.

Make sure  staff and students know that when a projector is turned off, it needs time for the bulb to cool before it is turned back on again. Otherwise, the bulb may overheat.

Here are additional resources you may find useful:

• How to Connect a MacBook Pro to a Projector

• Windows 10: Using Extended Display

Complete the following task or self-assessment:

Do you know when the projectors in your building were installed and how old the bulbs are? 

• Begin adding that data to your Systems Overview Data spreadsheet. 
• The spreadsheet also has a column for replacement bulb types so you don’t have to go searching every time you need a bulb.

Add projector cleaning materials to your AV cart, such as a hand-held vacuum or lint-free cloths.