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.
How Check Engine Light Diagnostics Work at Christian Brothers Automotive Alpharetta Milton
Our process moves from your first call to a completed repair in five straightforward steps.
- Schedule: Book online or call and tell us what the vehicle is experiencing. The more detail you share, the better prepared our technicians will be.
- Drop Off: Leave your vehicle with us. Our technicians perform a thorough inspection and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers.
- Receive Your Report: We send a digital vehicle inspection report to your phone via text, complete with pictures and videos of each finding.
- Review and Approve: A service advisor calls to walk you through the findings and recommendations. You can ask questions or approve work directly in the report.
- Get Back on the Road: Most work can be completed the same day. If parts need to be ordered, we’ll schedule around your availability.
Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On
The check engine light can be triggered by anything from a loose gas cap to engine misfires, sensor failures, and emissions system problems. Knowing the most common causes helps explain what our technicians are looking for when they diagnose your vehicle.
- Oxygen Sensor Failure: A faulty O2 sensor reduces fuel efficiency and, left unaddressed, can damage the catalytic converter.
- Loose or Faulty Gas Cap: A cap that doesn’t seal correctly triggers the light by allowing fuel vapors to escape. Often a straightforward fix.
- Worn Spark Plugs or Failing Ignition Coil: Either can cause engine misfires that illuminate the check engine light and reduce performance.
- Catalytic Converter Problems: A failing catalytic converter affects emissions output and can cause eligible vehicles to fail Georgia’s emissions inspection. Fulton County vehicles are subject to these requirements.
- Mass Airflow Sensor Failure: When this sensor malfunctions, the engine’s fuel-to-air ratio is disrupted, reducing power and efficiency.
- Transmission Faults: Certain transmission issues register as check engine light triggers and should be diagnosed promptly to avoid further damage.
What a Trouble Code Actually Tells a Technician
A code from the OBD-II system points to the area of concern, not the specific failed component. Two vehicles can produce the same code for entirely different reasons, which is why professional diagnosis is what determines the root cause.
The engine control module stores more than just a fault code. It logs freeze-frame data at the moment the fault was detected: sensor readings, operating conditions, and how many times the code has appeared. That context is what separates diagnosis from an educated guess. Technicians also reference Technical Service Bulletins issued by manufacturers, which provide guidance for hard-to-diagnose codes and help avoid unnecessary part replacements.
Replacing a part based solely on a code number, without completing proper diagnosis, frequently leads to repeat repairs and higher total costs. A flashing check engine light is a specific warning that an active engine misfire is occurring. Continuing to drive can damage the catalytic converter, turning what might have been a minor repair into a much larger one.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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"This is our new go to automotive repair shop. Ben has been very helpful and is very knowledgeable. Very friendly as well."
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