Our Five-Stage Check Engine Light Diagnostic Process
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 process connects your vehicle’s symptoms with inspection results and system testing before we recommend a repair. You receive documented findings, an explanation from a service advisor, and the opportunity to approve the work.
Here’s what to expect during Full Service Diagnostic Testing:
- Appointment Intake: We ask about the warning light, vehicle symptoms, and service needs when you schedule.
- Inspection and Diagnostics: Our technicians inspect the vehicle and use manufacturer-equivalent diagnostic equipment to evaluate the fault. Testing may include a visual inspection and targeted checks of the affected system.
- Digital Report and Estimate: We provide a Digital Vehicle Inspection report that can include pictures, videos, findings, recommendations, and an estimate.
- Review and Approval: A service advisor explains the results and recommended next steps. You can approve the work digitally or directly through the advisor.
- Repair Completion or Scheduling: Once approved, the work can be completed or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Warning
Delaying diagnosis can allow the underlying problem or related damage to worsen. A check engine light may signal anything from a simple fix to a serious fault affecting engine performance, fuel economy, or emissions.
When to Seek Prompt Help
A steady warning light generally calls for prompt diagnosis, even if the vehicle appears to drive normally. A flashing light can indicate an active engine misfire or another serious condition that requires more immediate attention. If the vehicle is running roughly, losing power, overheating, stalling, having difficulty starting, or producing unusual smoke, stop driving when it’s safe and seek professional guidance.
Possible Check Engine Light Causes
A stored code may point to a system or condition, but it isn’t a diagnosis by itself. Our ASE-certified technicians in Amarillo test the underlying condition instead of treating the warning light as proof that a particular part has failed.
Possible causes that require diagnostic confirmation include:
- Oxygen Sensor Malfunction: The oxygen sensor monitors oxygen in the exhaust. A failing sensor can reduce fuel efficiency and increase harmful emissions.
- Loose Gas Cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can allow fuel vapors to escape and trigger an emissions-related warning.
- Catalytic Converter Issues: The catalytic converter changes toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants. Unresolved engine problems can damage this component, so further testing is necessary before recommending a repair.
- Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils: Ignition system faults can cause misfires, rough idling, and loss of power.
- Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System Leaks: The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. A leak can trigger the check engine light.
We recommend repairs only after confirming the likely cause, documenting our findings, and explaining the results. No work proceeds without your approval, and covered repairs are protected by our 3-year/36,000-mile Nice Difference® Warranty. The schedule an appointment online option lets you choose a convenient time.
Ready for clear answers about your warning light? Schedule check engine light service in Amarillo. You can Book a service online or call (806) 484-0978.
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 was driving from Fort Worth to Durango in a two day old Mercedes GLS 580 when a warning light indicated that the oil was overfilled. With the nearest Mercedes dealerships 5 hours away, Christian Brothers remedied the problem quickly and The manager did n"
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