Our process is built around your schedule. You schedule, then drop off your vehicle or use our pick-up service within 5 miles. We diagnose, share the findings with you in plain language, get your approval, and complete the work. You drive away knowing exactly what was found and what was done.
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.
Backed by the Nice Difference Warranty
Every check engine light diagnostic and every repair that follows is covered by our Nice Difference Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. We use manufacturer-quality equipment and communicate findings in plain language so you know what’s happening with your vehicle and why.
What the Check Engine Light Is Telling You
Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system monitors dozens of systems simultaneously. When a sensor detects a reading outside its expected range, it stores a code and triggers the warning light. Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, a failing catalytic converter, worn spark plugs or ignition coils, a mass airflow sensor issue, an evaporative emissions system leak, or something as simple as a loose gas cap.
A steady check engine light means the issue isn’t immediately severe but should be diagnosed soon before it escalates. A flashing light is a different signal: it typically indicates an active engine misfire, which can rapidly damage the catalytic converter if you keep driving. In either case, professional diagnosis is the right next step.
Code Pull vs. Full Service Diagnostic Testing
An auto parts store or basic code reader retrieves stored diagnostic trouble codes. That’s a starting point, not a diagnosis. The code tells you which system flagged the fault; it doesn’t confirm which component failed or whether related systems are also involved. Replacing parts based solely on a code without further testing frequently results in the light returning because the actual cause wasn’t addressed.
Our Full Service Diagnostic Testing goes further: we test suspect components, check Technical Service Bulletins for known issues on your vehicle, and perform a test drive when it helps replicate the symptom. The goal is to get the diagnosis right before any repair is approved.
Preventive Maintenance & Pennsylvania Emissions Compliance
Routine maintenance reduces the likelihood of check engine light events. Timely oil changes, spark plug replacement on the manufacturer’s schedule, and keeping the fuel cap properly sealed all help keep your OBD system from flagging preventable faults.
Pennsylvania requires emissions testing as part of the annual vehicle inspection in designated counties, including Montgomery County and Bucks County. An active check engine light will typically cause an emissions test failure, so addressing the warning promptly matters for staying in compliance and keeping your registration current.
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.