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.
You Approve Every Repair Before Work Begins
Once our technicians complete your check engine light diagnostic, we send a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) report directly to your phone, including photos and videos of exactly what we found. A service advisor walks you through the findings in plain language, and you approve or decline any recommended repair right from your smartphone or over the phone. No work starts until you say so. No surprises, no pressure.
What Triggers a Check Engine Light?
An OBD-II code tells a technician which system registered a malfunction. It doesn’t identify which specific component failed or why. That’s the difference between plugging in a scanner and performing a true diagnostic. Our Full Service Diagnostic Testing traces the fault to its source so the repair addresses the real problem, not just the symptom.
Common triggers our technicians investigate include:
- Faulty oxygen sensor or mass airflow (MAF) sensor
- Worn spark plugs or ignition components
- Loose, cracked, or damaged gas cap
- Failing catalytic converter
- Transmission or ABS system faults
A catalytic converter fault can cause your vehicle to fail the annual Texas emissions test required in Tarrant County. And delaying diagnosis can make things worse: an unaddressed engine misfire can damage a catalytic converter over time, turning a moderate repair into a much costlier one.
Flashing vs. Solid Check Engine Light
The way your check engine light behaves signals how urgently you need to act. A solid, steady light means a fault has been detected and stored in the engine control module (ECM). Your vehicle is likely releasing irregular emissions and should be serviced as soon as possible, though it’s often safe to drive directly to the shop.
A flashing check engine light is a different situation. It indicates a serious, active problem, most commonly a cylinder misfire, that can cause rapid damage to your engine or catalytic converter if driving continues. A flashing light means bring the vehicle in promptly rather than waiting for your next convenience.
In either case, professional diagnosis is the fastest and safest path to an answer.
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.