How Our Check Engine Light Service Works
From the moment you schedule to the moment you drive away, our process keeps you informed and in control.
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.
The Nice Difference® Warranty
Every repair that follows a check engine light diagnosis at Christian Brothers Automotive West Chicago is covered by the Nice Difference® Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever limit occurs last. Most shop warranties expire at the first limit reached. Ours expires at the last, which means lower-mileage drivers get the full time coverage available under the warranty.
The warranty covers defects in new parts and improper installation, and it’s honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide. Keep a copy of your original repair invoice to present if you ever need service under the warranty.
What Can Trigger a Check Engine Light?
The check engine light, technically called the malfunction indicator lamp, illuminates whenever your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system detects a fault. The range of possible causes is wide. Common triggers include a loose or faulty gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, misfiring spark plugs or ignition coils, and faults in the evaporative emission control system.
The light is difficult to interpret on your own because the same warning illuminates for both minor and serious faults. Modern vehicles detect problems long before you notice any change in how the car drives. A fault code can be active while everything feels completely normal. Only a diagnostic scan combined with a technician’s evaluation can confirm what you’re actually dealing with.
The Check Engine Light & Illinois Emissions Testing
For West Chicago drivers, an active check engine light carries an added consequence: a failed Illinois emissions test. Illinois uses an OBD-based testing system, and any active fault code may cause your vehicle to fail regardless of whether tailpipe emissions are within acceptable limits. After the underlying fault is repaired, your vehicle’s onboard monitors need to complete a drive cycle before it can pass re-testing. Addressing the fault promptly can give those monitors time to reset before your next test date.
What to Expect When You Bring Your Vehicle In
Many drivers put off a check engine light diagnosis out of concern about cost or worry about being steered into repairs they didn’t ask for. Here’s how a visit to Christian Brothers Automotive West Chicago actually works:
- We perform the diagnostic and send you a DVI report with photos directly to your phone
- A service advisor explains the findings in plain language before anything else happens
- You receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed: no pressure, no obligation
- If you approve repairs, our complimentary shuttle service keeps your day on track
- Completed repairs are backed by the Nice Difference® Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last
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.