is it possible thata smaller problem in a car can be masked by a big problem and computer not see at the time?

Question

98 Mustang
Check engine light; fuel injection component part major; compressor leakage; emissions needed repair;
2nd time check engine light, other compnent now needs replacing only 2 weeks later because it was "masked" by the other problems

Answer 1

let me guess, you've probably got an oxygen sensor code, and possibly another EGR related code. Typical of the codes you listed above. It's not so much that the major problems was masking over the other ones. More like the problems you use to have created the problems you have now.

Answer 2

No, it is only masked by the inadequacy of the bozo reading the code. Intelligent automotive engineers spent a lot of time and effort to help technicians diagnose a problem with trouble codes. The main problem with this is that technicians are a dime a dozen and usually are incompetent. Any shmuck can pass an ASE certification and call himself ASE certified like it means something.

The diagnostic code will direct you to the problem area of the car. Sometimes there are multiple problems. Sometimes, the old code has not been cleared after the original problem is fixed and can piggyback onto a new code. Make sure you reboot the system before assessing new problems. You do this by removing the appropriate fuse and reinserting it.

Get your shop manual and follow it. It will have code descriptions, combinations, and every imaginable problem sorted out. This is the simplest and most effective piece of equipment for every car owner to have.

Answer 3

Unfortunately this is possible. The PCM runs monitors that keep track of the way sensors are reporting data. A good example is an oxygen sensor going bad. The PCM needs the oxygen sensor to determine the efficiency of the catalytic converter. So if the O2 sensor is bad it cannot effectively run a catalytic converter test until the O2 sensor is replaced.

Answer 4

Its a sad fact,,,some vehicles are very hard to track problems down to a main cause,,,since most computerized components rely on another component,,it is difficult to track,,,,,the proccess of elimination is the oly way in a lot of cars.

Answer 5

100%

Answer 6

yes it depends on the intensity of a problem and its effect

Answer 7

Yep. Welcome to the land of Gremlins, where they wreak havok on older vehicles.