How Our Check Engine Light Service Works
Getting answers about your check engine light doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what to expect when you bring your vehicle to us.
Step 1: Schedule Your Visit
Call us or book an appointment online at our Alafaya location. After-hours key drop-off is available if you can’t make it during business hours.
Step 2: Full Service Diagnostic Testing
Our ASE-certified technicians connect to your vehicle’s onboard computer to retrieve trouble codes, then go further by inspecting the specific systems flagged. This confirms the root cause rather than acting on a code alone, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and repeat visits.
Step 3: Clear Findings & Your Approval
We walk you through what we found in plain language and provide a fair, no-pressure estimate. No work proceeds without your consent.
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Every Repair Backed by Our Nice Difference® Warranty
All work performed at Christian Brothers Automotive Alafaya is covered by the Nice Difference® Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. That coverage reflects our confidence in the quality of every repair we make.
We also offer current discounts for our community:
UCF Student Discount
10% off any service (up to $100) with a valid student ID.
Heroes Discount
First responders, veterans, and teachers receive 10% off any service (up to $100).
Special financing is available for qualifying customers. Ask our team for details when you visit or call.
Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On
Your vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic system monitors dozens of sensors and systems. When something falls outside normal parameters, it logs a fault code and turns on the light. Some triggers are minor; others require prompt attention.
Frequent causes include:
- Loose or damaged gas cap causing fuel vapor leaks in the emissions system
- Failing oxygen sensor affecting fuel trim and emissions output
- Worn spark plugs or ignition coils leading to engine misfire
- Mass airflow sensor issues disrupting the air-fuel mixture
- Catalytic converter degradation reducing emissions efficiency
- EVAP system leaks allowing fuel vapors to escape
- EGR valve faults affecting exhaust gas recirculation
Steady vs. Flashing Light
A steady check engine light means something needs attention, but you don’t necessarily need to pull over immediately. A flashing check engine light is a different situation. It typically signals an active engine misfire that can damage your catalytic converter. If your light is flashing, avoid highway speeds and get to us as soon as possible.
When your check engine light comes on in Alafaya or the East Orlando area, Christian Brothers Automotive Alafaya is ready to help. Call (407) 214-4175 or schedule your check engine light diagnostics appointment online.
What Full Service Diagnostic Testing Actually Covers
A basic OBD-II scanner retrieves a fault code and identifies a category, such as “oxygen sensor circuit malfunction.” That’s a starting point, not a diagnosis. Full Service Diagnostic Testing traces that code to its source by inspecting the actual systems and components involved. Technicians review live sensor data, check related circuits, and confirm whether the flagged component is the true cause or a symptom of something upstream. Acting on a code alone risks replacing a part that wasn’t the problem. A thorough inspection before any repair reduces that risk and supports an accurate recommendation.
Maintenance Habits That Help Prevent Check Engine Light Issues
Routine maintenance can help reduce many common check engine light triggers before they appear. Replacing spark plugs on schedule, changing air filters, and keeping up with fluid checks all help your vehicle’s systems stay within normal operating ranges. Something as simple as making sure your fuel cap is fully tightened after every fill-up eliminates one of the most frequent causes of a check engine light. Beyond that, paying attention to early signs like rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, or a noticeable drop in fuel economy lets you address small issues before they become larger diagnostic events.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
Q. "What is the difference between a steadily lit and a flashing check engine light?"A steadily lit light means that a sensor is sending a signal to your vehicle's computer that something is wrong or it could simply mean that the sensor is out. If your check engine light is flashing, however, that means there is a serious issue and you should stop driving immediately.
-
Q. "Why is my check engine light on but nothing seems to be wrong with my vehicle?"If nothing within your vehicle stands out, then it is possible that it is just a minor issue such as a loose gas cap or a bad O2 sensor. It is still recommended to see a mechanic if the light doesn't disappear to check for any larger issues.
-
Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
-
Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
-
Q. "What to do if your check engine light turns on?"We recommend heading to your local auto shop as soon as you are able. This is typically a sign that there is an abnormality within your engine.
-
Q. "Is it safe to drive your car when the check engine light is on?"It depends. If you are experiencing other noticeable issues with your vehicle, it may be best to pull over. Otherwise, it is typically okay to drive to your local auto shop. You will want to get this checked sooner rather than later to avoid being stranded with a broken-down car.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
-
"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.