I have a Panasonic HDTV model PT-50LC14 and I'm getting a blue message box that says "Air Filter Cleaning Recommended" and then it shuts off.

Where is the filter located so I can clean it?

The manual, located here

Panasonic PT-50LC14 Support and Service Information

Says "An OSD advising “AIR FILTER CLEANING...” - Please consult your nearest dealer.

What a cop out.

The filter is undoubtedly near the projector lamp. There has to be a lamp cooling fan that pulls air through the filter.

There is some advice on HDTVoice.com - High-Definition Television Talk - Pt 40lc12.

It looks like replacement instructions are available with the replacement lamp. Here is an excerpt from that web site:

From the Panasonic Operating Manual-model # PT-43LC14/PT-50LC14/PT-60LC14
TY-LA1000

Lamp unit replacement period
The Lamp is a consumable item and it’s life varies based on individual usage.
Panasonic warranties the original Lamp for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.
• The unit will detect when the Lamp’s end of life is approaching and the following message will be displayed.
• The LAMP indicator light will be lit when the Lamp’s end of life is approaching.

THE LAMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED,
AND THE LAMP HOUR METER NEEDS TO BE RESET.

Refer to the instructions enclosed with the lamp unit (Part No.: TY-LA1000) when replacing the lamp.

• Please wait more than one hour for lamp replacement.
[ If you need to replace the lamp more urgently ]
• The projection display has a forced cooling feature. After the POWER button is turned OFF, and sometime during about the
First minute of the normal cooling fan operation, press the VOL+ button on the projection display and the ▲ button on the Remote control at same time for more than 5 seconds. The cooling fan operates for about 10 minutes.

Had some time to kill so I looked it up strange like you said it does not even show you where the bulb is must be some good instuctions that come with said bulb... :)

Take off the silver panel in the front bottom of the TV. Then take a phillips screw driver and take off the two front bolts in the center. Then pull off the black panel. You'll have a rectanguler box that has blk felt on top and on bottom. Take a qtip anddip it in alcohol. You'll need about 12 qtips or more. Rub the qtip on to and bottom of the felt. You'll see thye come out black. Once they come out clean, your good. Let your TV rest for about 1/2 hr and you should be good to go.

I have this TV and It's happen to me like 4 times in 7yrs.

Just hope it's not the lamp. So far I've changed one in 7 yrs and it was a pain in the butt. Loo it up on you tube and they have step by step. Tideous work, but it'll save you $100's! Good luck!

Hi I have a pt-60lc14, I removed 2 screws opened panel and found black box. The only thing I found different was that there was a grey foam and not a black felt material

Thank you so much for this information! I was about to give up and was very unhappy about it. Mine was also a gray foam pad. I used the brush attachment on my vacuum cleaner and it cleaned it in a snap. I did try the alcohol dipped q-tip after vacuuming but it came out clean.

I am have the same problem with my Panasonic PT43LC14. I cleaned ALL the filters, in fact the inside of the TV now looks brand new. However, I turn on the TV and STILL get that stupid error message saying I need to clean the air filter. What gives? Someone please HELP