Full Service Diagnostic Testing & Vehicle Findings
Full Service Diagnostic Testing combines information gathered from your vehicle with a technician’s evaluation of the system reporting the fault. This process helps separate the recorded condition from the component or system that requires attention.
Your diagnostic visit can include:
- Fault Information: We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and equipment to gather information stored by the vehicle.
- System Evaluation: Our technicians assess the affected system to investigate why the fault was recorded.
- Digital Vehicle Inspection: We provide a free Digital Vehicle Inspection with actual vehicle photos, helping you understand service recommendations and available options.
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.
Diagnostics for Domestic & Import Vehicles
We service and repair all makes and models, including domestic and import vehicles. Our import technicians have experience with the following manufacturers:
- Audi
- BMW
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Mercedes
- Mini
- Porsche
- Volvo
Check engine light diagnostics can involve the engine, transmission, or emissions controls.
Owner-Led Diagnostics & Clear Explanations
Eric and Heather Wesch own and operate Christian Brothers Automotive Montgomery. Eric has more than 25 years of automotive industry experience and is a certified technician. He works at the service desk and in the garage, diagnosing vehicle concerns alongside our technicians.
We explain your vehicle’s needs in clear, understandable language instead of leaving you to interpret technical terms alone. Transparency, integrity, and customer care guide our approach, and our technicians use manufacturer-quality equipment during automotive service.
Warranty Coverage & a Broader Vehicle Check
Diagnostic findings determine the recommended repair. Work completed by our ASE-certified technicians is covered by the Nice Difference Warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. This coverage applies to performed work rather than the diagnostic evaluation itself.
We also offer a free Courtesy Inspection covering major systems and components:
- Lights
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Tires
- Battery
A Courtesy Inspection reviews broader vehicle conditions, while check engine light diagnostics investigate the specific fault behind the dashboard warning.
Alabama Registration & Onboard Diagnostic Requirements
Alabama doesn’t require periodic emissions testing or onboard diagnostic inspections as a condition of vehicle registration, including for drivers in Montgomery. Vehicles also don’t need to pass an emissions test before registration. A VIN inspection is required when a previously out-of-state vehicle is sold or transferred.
OBD-II became mandatory beginning with the 1996 model year for passenger cars and gasoline-powered light trucks under 8,500 pounds. Although Alabama registration doesn’t require such an inspection, a check engine light still indicates a recorded fault that warrants diagnostic attention.
Schedule Your Check Engine Light Diagnostic
Schedule Appointment to have our technicians evaluate the warning light and explain their findings.
A concierge free shuttle service is available to reduce disruption during your visit. If you choose to wait during service, free Wi-Fi and cold water are available in a welcoming environment.
Use our contact form to Schedule Appointment, or call (334) 539-0180 for Check Engine Light Services in Montgomery.
Common Reasons a Check Engine Light Appears
Several conditions can activate a check engine light, and similar diagnostic trouble codes can have different underlying causes. Common possibilities include:
- Fuel Cap Problems: A loose or damaged fuel cap can allow the evaporative emissions system to detect a leak.
- Oxygen Sensor Faults: An oxygen sensor can trigger the light when it reports a problem with exhaust or fuel-control information.
- Ignition Problems: Worn spark plugs or other ignition-system faults can be recorded when combustion doesn’t occur as intended.
- Catalytic Converter Faults: The light can appear when the vehicle detects an emissions-control performance issue involving the catalytic converter.
Basic ODB scanner codes provide a starting point, not a repair instruction. Confirming the cause requires evaluation of the reported system rather than automatically replacing the component named in a code description.
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
-
"Great friend of the Steve Kisner family. Thank you and God bless for what you did...Jeff"
- jeff Grossett