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.
Serving Colorado Springs Drivers Every Day
Whether you’re commuting along I-25, Powers Boulevard, or Interquest Parkway, our shop is easy to reach when that warning light comes on. High-altitude driving in the Pikes Peak region places additional demands on engine and emissions systems, which makes timely check engine light diagnosis especially important for drivers here. Our complimentary shuttle service means you don’t have to wait around while we work. Drop off your vehicle and go about your day. We’ll have a clear report ready for you when you return.
Steady Light or Flashing Light: What Each One Means
The check engine light communicates in two ways, and knowing the difference helps you decide how quickly to act.
A steady check engine light means the vehicle’s computer has detected an anomaly in engine performance, emissions, or a related system. The vehicle is generally safe to drive to a shop, but the issue should be evaluated promptly. Ignoring a steady light gives a minor problem time to become a more expensive one.
A flashing check engine light signals an active, serious condition, most often a cylinder misfire. Reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration, and have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible. An active misfire can quickly damage the catalytic converter, turning a manageable repair into a significantly larger one.
In either case, simply clearing the code isn’t a fix. If the underlying cause isn’t resolved, the light can return.
Common Reasons the Check Engine Light Comes On
The OBD-II system monitors a wide range of vehicle systems. A diagnostic trouble code tells a technician which system flagged an issue, but not which specific component has failed. That distinction matters, and it’s why a trained technician needs to evaluate the data rather than simply read the code.
Common triggers include:
- Loose or damaged gas cap: One of the simplest causes, but it triggers the emissions system monitor
- Oxygen (O2) sensor failure: Affects fuel trim and emissions readings throughout the engine cycle
- Mass airflow (MAF) sensor problems: The engine control unit (ECU) uses MAF data to calculate fuel delivery; a faulty reading disrupts the entire fuel-air mixture
- Ignition coil or spark plug wear: A leading cause of misfires and the flashing check engine light scenario
- Catalytic converter degradation: Often a downstream consequence of another unresolved issue
- EVAP system leaks: Fuel vapor escaping the evaporative emissions system triggers the emissions monitor
- Fuel injector issues: Affect combustion quality and can generate multiple fault codes at once
Driving with an unresolved condition can reduce fuel economy, increase emissions, and let a minor fault grow into a costlier repair. Getting a full diagnostic evaluation early is often the less expensive path.
How a Check Engine Light Diagnostic Appointment Works
Our process is straightforward and designed to keep you informed at every step.
Initial Consultation & Inspection
It starts with a conversation. Our service advisors ask about any symptoms you’ve noticed, like rough idle, hesitation, or changes in fuel economy, to help focus the inspection from the start.
From there, our technicians connect manufacturer-quality diagnostic equipment to your vehicle, going beyond basic ODB scanner codes to read live data streams and test related components. The Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) runs concurrently, documenting findings with photos so you have a complete picture of your vehicle’s condition.
Review, Approval & Completion
Once the inspection is complete, your service advisor reviews the findings with you in plain language and presents repair options. You approve the work before anything is done. Most repairs can be completed the same day. If a part needs to be ordered, we’ll give you a clear timeline. Before your vehicle leaves, our technicians perform a final road test and system check to verify the repair addressed the fault.
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.