Getting your check engine light diagnosed at Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee is a straightforward process. We identify the cause first, explain it clearly, then recommend the right repair.
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 What Our Technicians See
Transparency isn’t just a word we use. Our digital Vehicle Inspection includes pictures and videos of your vehicle so you can see exactly what our technicians are seeing. Our Courtesy Inspection covers major systems including lights, brakes, suspension, tires, and battery, giving you a complete picture of your vehicle’s condition alongside the check engine light findings.
Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On
A check engine light can be triggered by a range of causes, from something as minor as a loose gas cap to a more serious engine or emissions problem. Here’s what our technicians commonly find.
Common causes include:
- Gas cap seal: A loose or damaged gas cap allows an evaporative emissions system leak, which is enough to trigger the light. It’s the easiest fix, but still needs to be confirmed.
- Oxygen sensor failure: A failing oxygen sensor reduces fuel economy and increases emissions over time.
- Mass airflow sensor: A faulty mass airflow sensor can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, or trouble starting.
- Ignition coil or spark plugs: These failures lead to engine misfires and noticeable performance loss.
- Catalytic converter: Problems here often result from excessive carbon build-up or other unresolved engine issues.
A flashing check engine light points to an active engine misfire. Left unaddressed, that misfire can damage the catalytic converter, turning one repair into two.
Schedule Your Check Engine Light Diagnostic in Shawnee
Our complimentary shuttle service means you don’t have to rearrange your day to get your vehicle diagnosed. Drop it off, let us handle the diagnostic work, and we can reach you with a clear explanation of what we found before recommending any repairs. Every job we do is backed by our industry-leading warranty. Call (913) 946-7726 or book an appointment online to get started.
What a Full Diagnostic Actually Involves
Reading an OBD-II trouble code is a starting point, not a diagnosis. A stored code tells our technicians which system flagged an issue, but confirming the root cause requires a visual and mechanical inspection of the affected system. A code pointing to the evaporative emissions system, for example, could mean a failed gas cap seal, a cracked hose, or a faulty purge valve. The code alone doesn’t tell you which one.
That step protects you from paying to replace a part that wasn’t the problem. Delaying the diagnostic carries a real cost as well: ignoring the light can lead to more severe issues and potential breakdowns, and what starts as a minor fault can progress into a more expensive engine repair. The light exists to give you an early warning. Acting on it promptly can be less expensive than waiting.
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.