What to Expect During Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Your visit begins with a warm welcome and a conversation about the warning light or vehicle behavior you’ve noticed. We then inspect your vehicle using diagnostic equipment.
After the inspection, we review our recommendations with you in plain language. You’ll receive an upfront estimate, and no repair work begins without your approval. You can make an informed decision without having to interpret technical terminology on your own.
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.
Warranty Coverage & Lafayette Recognition
Eligible workmanship is supported by the Nice Difference Warranty, which covers workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. This warranty is separate from any extended warranty coverage a vehicle owner may have.
Our Lafayette, CO location was named a 2025 Best of Business Award Winner and also lists an FCXC Innovation Award among its accolades. These honors reflect the customer-focused standards we bring to automotive service.
Full Service Diagnostic Testing
We provide full service diagnostic testing performed by ASE-certified technicians. Check engine light diagnostics go beyond reading basic ODB scanner codes, which may point to a system or condition without identifying the exact cause.
Our technicians use diagnostic equipment and inspection findings to determine why the vehicle’s computer stored a code. The same code can require further evaluation before we can recommend a repair. We explain the findings and proposed next steps clearly rather than asking you to make a decision based on a code alone.
Check Engine Lights & Colorado Emissions Testing
Lafayette is within a Colorado emissions-testing area, so an illuminated check engine light can affect more than day-to-day driving. For 1996-and-newer vehicles, an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp, the formal name for the check engine light, automatically fails the On-Board Diagnostics portion of an emissions test.
Colorado emissions testing uses an On-Board Diagnostics check to review the light’s status, dashboard indicators, and stored emissions-related codes. Diagnosing the problem before testing can identify the condition that triggered it, but clearing a code alone doesn’t establish that the underlying issue has been corrected.
Steady vs. Flashing Check Engine Lights
A steady check engine light signals a problem that should be inspected soon. The vehicle’s diagnostic system has identified a condition that needs attention, even if you haven’t noticed a change in performance.
A flashing check engine light can signal an engine misfire or another serious issue requiring immediate inspection. Seek prompt attention to reduce the risk of further damage.
Arrange Check Engine Light Service in Lafayette
Contact us by phone or through our contact form to discuss your vehicle and request a diagnostic visit. Appointment availability depends on the shop schedule, while diagnostic charges depend on the vehicle evaluation and applicable service policy.
Our owner/operators are on-site, and complimentary shuttle services are available to reduce disruption while your vehicle is being serviced. We can also explain the diagnostic process and answer practical questions when you contact us.
Call (303) 622-3466 to request check engine light service in Lafayette and begin with a thorough diagnostic inspection.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
A dashboard alert can result from a simple condition or a more involved mechanical or emissions-related fault. Stored diagnostic codes and inspection findings help narrow the cause, but diagnosing a specific vehicle requires an evaluation.
Common triggers include:
- A loose or faulty gas cap
- Worn oxygen sensors
- Catalytic converter issues
- Other emissions-related mechanical faults
These conditions can produce overlapping symptoms or codes, so an inspection is necessary before determining the appropriate repair.
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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"Just a quick thank you to CHRISTIAN brothers and the entire staff. my service there was done swiftly and completely. the report was amazing and very detailed. hanging out in there waiting area was very comfortable. they are a wonderful business and I will "
- Sonja Motley