How Our Diagnostic Process Works
Our three-step process is built around your schedule and your right to approve work before it begins. You book an appointment, our technicians perform Full Service Diagnostic Testing to move beyond the stored code and identify the root cause, then you receive a documented explanation of findings before we touch anything. No surprises, no repairs you didn’t authorize.
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.
See the Evidence, Not Just the Bill
Our free Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) puts actual photos of your vehicle in your hands during every service appointment. When our technicians identify the cause of your check engine light, you see what they see, documented with images, not a verbal summary you have to take on faith. Every repair we perform is backed by the Nice Difference Warranty™: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last.
The check engine light, technically called the malfunction indicator lamp, activates when your vehicle’s onboard computer detects a fault signal from a sensor or system component. What it can’t tell you on its own is how serious that fault is. A loose gas cap and a misfiring cylinder can trigger the same light, and the difference in repair cost and urgency between those two conditions is significant.
A basic OBD-II scanner reads the stored trouble code, but that code names a system or circuit, not the specific component that failed or the reason it failed. Professional diagnostic testing is what bridges the gap between a code number and a repair you can trust.
Common Check Engine Light Triggers
Several faults come up regularly across all makes and models. A failing oxygen sensor is one of the most frequent causes, affecting fuel efficiency and emissions output. Evaporative emissions system faults, often traced to a loose or damaged gas cap, are another common trigger. Worn spark plugs or ignition coils can cause misfires that store codes quickly. Mass airflow sensor issues and catalytic converter degradation round out many of the codes our technicians see.
A steady check engine light typically indicates a stored fault that should be diagnosed promptly. A flashing light is a different signal: it usually points to an active misfire that can cause catalytic converter damage and warrants immediate attention rather than a scheduled appointment.
What Full Service Diagnostic Testing Includes
Full Service Diagnostic Testing goes beyond reading ODB scanner codes to pinpoint the specific cause of the warning. Our technicians evaluate the fault in context, checking related components and system behavior to understand why the code was set and what repair may be needed to address the condition reliably. After diagnosis, you receive a documented explanation of findings before any repair is authorized. For drivers who put consistent miles on their vehicles along I-26 or Highway 52, catching a minor sensor fault early can be far less costly than letting it compound into a larger system failure.
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.