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.
See Exactly What We Find Before We Fix Anything
Every check engine light appointment includes a free Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI). Our technicians document their findings with photos and video and send them directly to your phone via text. You can review what was found, ask questions, and approve or decline any recommended repair before work begins. No pressure, no surprises, just a clear picture of your vehicle’s condition in your hands.
Solid vs. Flashing: What Your Check Engine Light Is Telling You
Not every check engine light signals the same level of urgency. Knowing the difference can help you respond appropriately.
Solid Check Engine Light:
A steady light means your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system has detected a fault that isn’t immediately critical but shouldn’t be ignored. Left unaddressed, the underlying issue can affect fuel economy, emissions output, and overall performance. Schedule a diagnostic appointment soon.
Flashing Check Engine Light:
A flashing light signals an active, serious problem, often a cylinder misfire that can damage the catalytic converter or cause a breakdown. Drive as little as possible and bring the vehicle in right away.
In either case, the light alone doesn’t identify the fault. A professional diagnostic scan is the only way to confirm what triggered it.
Common Reasons the Check Engine Light Comes On
The check engine light can represent hundreds of possible fault codes. These are the triggers our technicians diagnose most often:
- Loose or missing gas cap: Allows fuel vapors to escape, triggering an emissions system fault. Often the simplest fix.
- Oxygen sensor failure: A malfunctioning O2 sensor causes the engine to run with an incorrect air-fuel mixture, reducing fuel economy and raising emissions.
- Catalytic converter problems: Often the result of deferred maintenance, a failing converter affects emissions output and vehicle performance.
- Mass airflow sensor failure: Disrupts the engine control module’s ability to calculate the correct fuel mixture, causing rough idling or hard starts.
- Spark plug or ignition coil issues: Worn plugs or failed coils create misfires and are a frequent trigger in higher-mileage vehicles.
Our technicians go beyond basic ODB scanner codes to help make sure the right repair is recommended.
Check Engine Light Questions Fort Worth Drivers Ask
What’s the difference between a steady and a flashing light?
A Solid Check Engine Light means a sensor fault that isn’t immediately critical but needs service soon. A Flashing Check Engine Light signals an active, serious problem that requires prompt attention to help prevent further damage. See the section above for a full breakdown of how to respond to each.
The light is on but my car seems fine. Should I still come in?
Yes. Minor issues like a loose gas cap or a marginally out-of-range sensor can trigger the light with no noticeable symptoms. A diagnostic scan is still needed to confirm the cause and check for anything more significant developing.
Is it safe to drive to the shop?
If the light is solid and your vehicle isn’t showing any performance changes, it’s generally fine to drive in. A flashing light or noticeable symptoms like rough running or power loss call for stopping sooner and contacting us first.
How long is the repair covered after you fix it?
All repair work is backed by the Nice difference.® Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile, whichever occurs last, honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide.
Do you work with extended warranty providers?
Yes. We work with all major extended warranty providers. Mention your carrier when you schedule so we can coordinate accordingly.
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.