How Our Diagnostic Process Works
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.
The Nice Difference Warranty
Repairs completed following a check engine light diagnostic at Christian Brothers Automotive Covington are covered by our Nice Difference Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. That coverage applies to the repair work, not the diagnostic scan itself, but when we fix the cause of your warning light, we stand behind that repair work for the long haul.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Transparency isn’t a talking point here. Our technicians walk you through their findings in plain language, and the free DVI puts actual photos of your vehicle in your hands before we recommend anything. You won’t be asked to approve a repair you can’t see a reason for.
We know your day doesn’t stop because your car needs attention. Our complimentary shuttle service can get you where you need to go while we work. Prefer to stay? Our waiting lounge has free Wi-Fi and refreshments. If shop hours don’t match your schedule, after-hours key drop-off is available.
Schedule Your Check Engine Light Diagnostic in Covington
A warning light ignored today can mean a more expensive repair tomorrow. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Covington can diagnose the cause and explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision. Call (985) 589-6164 or book your appointment online.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
The check engine light connects to your vehicle’s engine control module (ECM), which monitors dozens of systems at once. OBD-II codes identify the system and fault condition that require further testing. They don’t point directly to a specific failed part. Professional diagnosis identifies the exact component causing the issue, helping avoid unnecessary parts replacement and repeat repairs.
These are among the most frequently identified causes our technicians investigate:
- Loose or faulty gas cap: One of the simplest triggers. A poor seal allows fuel vapors to escape, disrupting the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and storing a fault code.
- Oxygen sensors: Failing O2 sensors affect fuel efficiency and emissions output and rank among the most common diagnostic trouble codes found in check engine light cases.
- Catalytic converter: A clogged or failing catalytic converter affects emissions and engine performance. It’s often a downstream consequence of unresolved misfires, which can overheat and damage the converter’s internal components.
- Ignition system faults: Worn spark plugs or failing ignition coils cause misfires that trigger the light. Left unresolved, they can cause serious damage to the catalytic converter.
- Mass airflow (MAF) sensor: When the MAF sensor fails, it disrupts the air-fuel mixture, often causing rough running or a noticeable drop in power.
- EVAP system faults: Beyond the gas cap, other components in the evaporative emissions system can leak or malfunction and store codes.
Flashing vs. Steady Check Engine Light
A steady check engine light means a fault has been stored and should be diagnosed promptly. In most cases, it doesn’t require pulling over immediately, but scheduling soon is the right call. A flashing check engine light is a different situation. It signals an active, serious condition. Most commonly, this is an engine misfire that can cause permanent damage to your catalytic converter if driving continues. If your light is flashing, stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so and have the vehicle towed or transported for diagnosis.
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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"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.