What Happens After You Drop Off Your Vehicle
From drop-off to approval, we keep you informed at every step. Here’s what to expect when you bring your check engine light to us.
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.
A Convenient Experience at Our Fishers Shop
We know your day doesn’t stop because your check engine light came on. Our Free Shuttle Service means we can drop you off and pick you up when your vehicle is ready, so you can carry on without waiting around. If you prefer to stay, our comfortable waiting area has free Wi-Fi.
Every visit also includes a free Courtesy Inspection covering major systems: lights, brakes, suspension, tires, and battery. We service all makes and models, domestic and foreign.
What Your Check Engine Light Is Telling You
Not all check engine lights carry the same urgency. A steady light means the vehicle’s computer has logged a fault and the vehicle should be serviced soon. It’s typically safe to drive to the shop, but don’t ignore it. A flashing light is a different situation entirely: it usually indicates an active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter within miles. If your light is flashing, pull over safely and call us.
In either case, a scan tool retrieves the diagnostic trouble code stored by the onboard computer. That code points to the system with the malfunction but doesn’t name the failed part. Our technicians test the flagged system to confirm the root cause before we ever recommend a repair. We then send you a Digital Vehicle Inspection report by text with photos and videos of our findings, and a service advisor walks you through everything. No work begins until you approve it.
Drivers in Fishers and the surrounding Carmel area can schedule a check engine light diagnostic online or by phone at (317) 660-2074. We can explain what we found in plain language and let you decide how to move forward.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
The warning light can be triggered by dozens of conditions. These are some of the most frequent causes our technicians see.
Loose or Missing Gas Cap
A cap that isn’t fully tightened allows fuel vapors to escape and can trigger an emissions system fault. Tightening or replacing it sometimes resolves the light on its own.
Failing Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors exhaust gases to help regulate the air-fuel mixture. A failed sensor causes the engine to burn excess fuel and can damage the catalytic converter over time.
Catalytic Converter Failure
The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions. When it fails, often as a downstream result of other neglected issues, fuel efficiency drops and emissions increase.
Mass Airflow Sensor Problems
The mass airflow sensor measures the air entering the engine. Failure leads to rough idle, hard starts, and reduced fuel economy.
Worn Spark Plugs or Ignition Components
Worn plugs cause misfires that trigger the warning light and put stress on the catalytic converter if left unaddressed.
EGR Valve Issues and Vacuum Leaks
The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve and vacuum lines affect combustion efficiency. Problems in either area are common triggers that a Full Service Diagnostic Testing appointment can identify.
Keep in mind: a diagnostic trouble code tells our technicians which system registered the fault, not which specific part has failed. Confirming the root cause requires testing the system directly, which is exactly what we do before making any repair recommendation.
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 came in for an exhaust leak and vibration at higher speeds. The team obviously fixed the issues, but they did the repairs without up-charging with unneeded parts and labor cost. As always Church Brothers also did a very thorough walk thru of the vehicle "
- Michael