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.
Flashing vs. Solid Check Engine Light
Not every check engine light signals the same level of urgency. A flashing check engine light can indicate an active fault, such as a cylinder misfire, that is occurring right now. Continuing to drive with a flashing light risks damage to the catalytic converter and other components. If your light is flashing, pull over safely and arrange to have the vehicle brought in rather than continuing to drive it.
If your vehicle needs towing, 24-hour service is available through Andy’s Towing.
A solid, steady check engine light means a fault has been stored in the system. It’s less immediately urgent, but it still warrants prompt attention. Ignoring it can allow the underlying issue to affect fuel economy, emissions, or performance over time.
In both cases, the right move is professional check engine light diagnostics, not clearing the code and hoping it stays off.
Common Reasons the Check Engine Light Turns On
A stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC) tells technicians which system or circuit is involved. It doesn’t identify the specific failed component on its own. That’s why interpreting the code in the context of a full vehicle inspection matters. Some of the most frequent causes our team diagnoses include:
- Loose or faulty gas cap: One of the simplest fixes, but it still turns the light on and stores a code by affecting evaporative-emissions monitoring.
- Failing oxygen sensor: Affects fuel mixture calculations and can reduce fuel economy over time.
- Worn catalytic converter: Impacts emissions and engine efficiency if left unaddressed.
- Misfiring spark plugs or ignition coils: Can cause rough running and, if severe, a flashing light.
- Faulty mass airflow sensor: Disrupts the air-fuel ratio and can affect performance.
- Vacuum leaks: Can produce a range of symptoms depending on location and severity.
Vehicles from 1996 onward use the OBD-II system, which stores diagnostic trouble codes and live sensor data when monitored faults are detected. Our technicians use that data as a starting point for diagnosis, not a final answer about which component has failed.
Schedule Your Check Engine Light Diagnostic in Brentwood
When you contact us, let us know whether the light is solid or flashing and whether you’re noticing any symptoms such as rough idling or reduced power. That information helps our technicians prepare before you arrive. You can also start by scheduling online. One thing to avoid: clearing the warning code before your appointment. Doing so removes stored diagnostic trouble codes and resets system-monitor readiness, which can make pinpointing the cause harder.
We perform Full Service Diagnostic Testing, walk you through what we find, and don’t begin any repair until you’ve reviewed the findings and approved the work.
Schedule online or call (615) 374-7518 to set up your visit.
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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"You guys repaired my daughter’s car today, and I can’t express the comfort that I feel as a Dad knowing that she has a conscientious repair shop to take care of her. You took the time to explain the needed repairs to her and assured her that ev"
- Jeff Taylor