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 See What We See
When a warning light appears, the uncertainty is often worse than the problem itself. Our free Digital Vehicle Inspection changes that. During your check engine light diagnostic, our technicians document their findings with actual photos and send you a digital report you can review on your phone.
We explain everything in plain language so you understand what’s wrong and what your options are before you approve a single repair. Honest estimates, no unnecessary upsells. That’s what it means to treat every customer like a neighbor.
What Triggers a Check Engine Light?
Your vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) continuously monitors sensors across the engine, transmission, and emissions systems. When a sensor or circuit reports a reading outside its expected range, the ECU logs a trouble code and illuminates the warning light. That code identifies which system flagged an anomaly. It doesn’t tell you which part failed or why.
Common triggers include:
- Oxygen sensor faults
- Catalytic converter problems
- Mass airflow sensor issues
- A loose or faulty gas cap
- Spark plug or ignition coil failures
- Engine misfires
Our Full Service Diagnostic Testing goes beyond basic ODB scanner codes by reading live data streams, testing circuits, and cross-referencing trouble codes with vehicle-specific repair data. Our ASE-certified technicians evaluate how your systems are interacting to isolate the root cause, not just the symptom the computer logged.
Steady Light vs. Flashing Light: What Each Means
A steady check engine light means the ECU has logged a fault worth diagnosing promptly. In most cases, you can drive carefully to a shop, but the underlying issue should be addressed soon. Delaying a diagnosis often turns a minor repair into a larger one.
A flashing check engine light is a different situation. It signals an active engine misfire, which can damage the catalytic converter if the vehicle keeps running. If your light is blinking, stop driving when it’s safe and have the vehicle towed or brought in with extreme caution. Continuing to drive risks turning an emissions or ignition issue into significant engine damage.
What to Expect During Your Diagnostic Visit in New Tampa
The visit starts with a conversation. We want to know your vehicle’s history and any symptoms you’ve noticed because that context helps our technicians narrow down the cause faster.
From there, our technicians connect a scan tool to your vehicle’s OBD-II port to retrieve stored and pending fault codes, then move into live data analysis and a physical inspection of flagged components. The result is a digital report with photos of exactly what we found. You review those findings in plain language and approve any work before it begins. After repairs are complete, we perform a final quality check before returning your vehicle. Complimentary shuttle service is available throughout, so your day doesn’t have to stop while your car is in our care.
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.