maybe the "ballist". i've had this problem a couple years ago and they changed the bulb twice until they replaced the ballist and wham -o
no problems since....
i really don't see changing the color wheel would do anything if the picture is fine. sounds like they r taking u for a ride.
the color wheel is ur picture without that u have nothing....
naturally, when u get the tv back it will work fine but if it goes out again tell them to change the ballist..