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.
Our Check Engine Light Diagnostic Process
Every check engine light diagnostic at Christian Brothers Automotive Savage follows a clear five-step process so you know where things stand.
- Schedule Your Appointment: Book online or by phone at a time that works for you.
- Diagnostics and Inspections: Our technicians run a full diagnostic using manufacturer-quality equipment, going beyond ODB scanner codes to identify root causes.
- Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate: You receive a DVI report with photos and findings before any work begins.
- Review and Approval: A service advisor walks you through the findings. No repairs start until you approve them.
- Work Performed or Scheduled: Once approved, work is completed or scheduled based on parts and availability.
Flashing vs. Solid Check Engine Light: What Each Means
Not all check engine lights signal the same level of urgency. A flashing check engine light points to a serious, active problem, such as a cylinder misfire that can damage your catalytic converter quickly. Pull over safely and arrange service right away. Continuing to drive can turn a manageable repair into a far more costly one.
A solid check engine light means the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system has logged an emissions or engine irregularity that hasn’t reached a critical threshold yet. The car may feel completely normal. Common triggers range from a loose gas cap to a failing oxygen sensor or a fuel system irregularity. Prompt attention still matters, because minor issues can worsen with continued driving. Either way, a professional diagnostic test, not just a code reader scan, is the right first step.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
The check engine light can be triggered by dozens of different systems. Knowing the most common culprits gives you useful context before your appointment.
- Oxygen Sensor Failure: One of the most frequent diagnostic trouble codes. A faulty oxygen sensor affects fuel economy and can stress other components over time.
- Catalytic Converter Issues: A failing catalytic converter can illuminate the light and may affect your vehicle’s ability to pass an emissions test.
- Mass Airflow Sensor: A damaged mass airflow sensor disrupts the air-fuel mixture, which can lead to rough running or reduced performance.
- Faulty Ignition Coils or Spark Plugs: These can cause engine misfires that can trigger both a solid and a flashing check engine light, depending on severity.
- Loose or Damaged Gas Cap: One of the simplest causes. A poor seal on the fuel system is enough to activate the emissions control system warning.
- Fuel System Issues: Injector problems or evaporative emissions leaks can activate the light without any obvious drivability symptoms.
Modern vehicles rely on a network of sensors tied to the onboard diagnostics system. Reading stored diagnostic trouble codes tells technicians which system flagged, but pinpointing the underlying cause takes experience and the right equipment. That’s what our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Savage does on every visit.
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.