How Our Check Engine Light Diagnostic Process Works
A lot of shops plug in a scanner, read the code, and hand you a repair estimate. We take a different approach, built on finding the actual fault, not just the code that flagged it.
Scan the Vehicle’s Computer
We connect to your vehicle’s OBD-II system using manufacturer-quality equipment to retrieve any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes identify which system has flagged a fault. They’re the starting point, not the conclusion.
Inspect the Flagged Systems
A DTC tells us where to look, not what’s broken. Replacing parts based on a code alone, without inspecting the underlying system, often means swapping components that aren’t actually defective. Our technicians go further, examining the systems the codes point to in order to identify the precise fault. Throughout this process, our free Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) captures actual photos of your vehicle so you can see exactly what our technicians see.
Walk You Through the Findings
Once the inspection is complete, we explain what we found in plain language and present your options. No repair work begins without your approval. You make the call with full information in hand.
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.
Why Winston-Salem Drivers Choose Christian Brothers Automotive Robinhood
Transparency sets our check engine light work apart. Our free Digital Vehicle Inspection sends you actual photos of your vehicle during the service visit, so you can see the findings firsthand rather than taking our word for it. Every repair we perform is backed by the Nice Difference® Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last.
Christian Brothers Automotive is ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers in the J.D. Power 2025 Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study, the sixth consecutive time receiving this recognition. For J.D. Power 2025 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards. Gene and Brenda Nardone are on-site at the Robinhood location, and we use manufacturer-quality equipment on every vehicle we service.
What Winston-Salem Drivers Should Know About the Check Engine Light
The check engine light is one of the most misunderstood warnings on the dashboard. Knowing what it means, when it’s urgent, and what commonly triggers it helps you make better decisions before you reach the shop.
Steady Light vs. Flashing Light: What Each Means
Not all check engine lights carry the same urgency. A steady light indicates a detected fault that should be diagnosed soon. You can typically drive carefully to the shop, but don’t put it off. Left unaddressed, a manageable issue like an oxygen sensor fault or an evaporative emissions leak can hurt fuel efficiency, increase emissions output, and create problems at your next NC vehicle inspection.
A flashing check engine light is a different situation entirely. It signals an active engine misfire severe enough to damage your catalytic converter. Pull over safely and arrange a tow rather than continuing to drive. Catalytic converter damage can cost far more than the misfire that caused it, and driving on a flashing light is how that cost can compound fast.
Ready to get to the bottom of it? Call (336) 518-5897 or book online for Check Engine Light Services at Christian Brothers Automotive Robinhood. Our complimentary shuttle keeps your day moving while we handle the diagnosis, and our owners are on-site if you have questions.Common Causes of the Check Engine Light
The warning can be triggered by a wide range of issues. Some are minor. Some aren’t. Here are the most frequent causes our technicians see:
- Loose, damaged, or missing gas cap: This disrupts the evaporative emissions system and is one of the simplest triggers for the light, and one of the easiest to overlook.
- Faulty oxygen sensor: A sensor that isn’t accurately reading exhaust gas composition leads to poor fuel economy and elevated emissions.
- Engine misfire: Often caused by worn spark plugs or a failed ignition coil. A severe misfire can cause the light to flash rather than glow steady.
- Catalytic converter inefficiency or failure: Generates OBD-II codes and can result in a failed NC vehicle emissions inspection if left unresolved.
- Failing mass airflow (MAF) sensor: Disrupts the air-fuel mixture, causing rough performance and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Transmission fault codes: Issues like a faulty solenoid or fluid temperature sensor can also activate the check engine light.
What Happens When You Ignore the Warning
A check engine light that stays on isn’t just an annoyance. Minor faults, like an evaporative emissions leak or a failing sensor, can spread to related systems over time and turn into far more expensive repairs. Unresolved OBD-II codes also mean your vehicle is likely to fail an NC emissions and safety inspection until the underlying fault is diagnosed and cleared.
Fuel economy suffers when oxygen sensors or fuel system components go unaddressed. And if the light is flashing and you keep driving, the underlying misfire can damage the catalytic converter, a repair that can cost significantly more than the original problem would have. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the more options you have.
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.