How Our Diagnostic Process Works
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.
From Scheduling to Repair
When you contact us, describe what you’re experiencing and we’ll get you scheduled. Our technicians perform diagnostics and inspections using manufacturer-quality equipment to identify the issue and determine next steps.
Once diagnosis is complete, we send you a Digital Vehicle Inspection report with photos and videos of our findings. A service advisor reviews the results with you, answers your questions, and presents recommendations. You decide what gets done before anything begins.
Many repairs are completed the same visit. When parts need to be ordered or the scope is larger, we schedule follow-up work around your availability.
What Triggers a Check Engine Light
Your vehicle’s OBD-II system can store hundreds of different diagnostic trouble codes, each pointing to a different system or component. A code from a basic scan tool tells you which system flagged the fault. It doesn’t tell you why. Professional diagnosis using live data and component testing is what identifies the root cause.
Common triggers include a loose or faulty gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a faulty mass airflow sensor, worn spark plugs or plug wires, a failing catalytic converter, and engine misfires. Replacing parts based on a code alone, without that deeper testing, often leads to unnecessary expense when the underlying problem is something else entirely, such as a fuel mixture issue or an exhaust leak affecting the oxygen sensor reading.
Steady Light vs. Flashing Light
A steadily lit check engine light means the vehicle’s computer has stored a fault code. You can typically drive to a shop safely, but the vehicle should be inspected soon. Waiting too long can allow a minor issue to affect fuel economy and emissions output over time.
A flashing check engine light is a different situation entirely. It signals an active and serious problem, most commonly an engine cylinder misfire, that can cause rapid damage to the catalytic converter and surrounding components. If your light is flashing, stop driving and seek service immediately. The cost of driving on a flashing light can far exceed the cost of the original fix.
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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"CALLED And talked to JJ about replacing motor mount on my GMC truck. He Gave me a price and could do the service today if I could bring it in before noon. I did and they had the job done by 2:30. Professionals all the way. I will recommend all my friends t"
- Rod Johnson