Diagnostics for All Makes & Models
Our certified technicians diagnose all makes and models, from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks. At our Willis shop, we handle complex engine diagnostics and transmission repairs in addition to routine maintenance, allowing us to evaluate the affected system rather than limit the visit to a code scan.
Cliff and Jessica Mayton own and operate Christian Brothers Automotive Willis, and they’re on-site to provide direct accountability for your service experience. We explain what the testing found and what your vehicle needs before you make any repair decisions.
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.
How Long Check Engine Light Testing Takes
An engine diagnostic test at our Willis location typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the fault, the vehicle, and whether the problem is present while the technician examines it.
Intermittent faults require additional time because they don’t always appear under the same conditions. A road test, smoke test, or electrical circuit check may be necessary to reproduce the issue and isolate its source. We’ll explain the testing your vehicle needs rather than promise a completion time before evaluating it.
Convenient Service While Your Vehicle Is Diagnosed
Dropping off your car shouldn’t derail your day. Our free shuttle service gets you where you need to go while we work. If you prefer to wait, our comfortable waiting area offers free Wi-Fi and refreshments.
Every visit also includes a complimentary courtesy inspection covering:
- Lights
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Tires
- Battery
If something else needs attention, you’ll know before it becomes a bigger problem.
Check Engine Lights & Montgomery County Emissions Testing
Vehicles registered in Montgomery County remain subject to Texas emissions inspection requirements before registration. Gasoline-powered vehicles that are 2 through 24 years old receive an OBD-II test as part of the emissions inspection.
The OBD-II test communicates with the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system, which also activates the check engine light and stores trouble codes. An illuminated check engine light needs to be diagnosed so the underlying OBD-II fault can be identified and corrected. Because faults affect the system in different ways, professional testing determines what your vehicle needs before its emissions concern can be resolved.
Common Check Engine Light Causes
A check engine light can indicate a simple sealing problem or a fault affecting combustion, emissions, or engine performance. The light itself doesn’t identify which component needs attention.
Examples of systems and components that can trigger the light include:
- Fuel vapor sealing: A loose, damaged, or faulty gas cap can allow the system to detect a leak.
- Engine management sensors: Oxygen sensors and mass airflow sensors can produce readings that trigger a fault code.
- Ignition components: Problems involving spark plugs and ignition coils can contribute to an engine misfire.
- Emissions equipment: A catalytic converter fault can activate the light and requires testing before a repair is recommended.
Our diagnostic process identifies the specific fault in your vehicle rather than assigning a repair from a list of common causes.
Schedule your Check Engine Light Services by phone or through our online contact form. We’ll arrange a diagnostic appointment and review the findings with you before any repairs proceed.
A clear answer starts with a check engine light diagnostic at Christian Brothers Automotive Willis. We serve Willis and all of Montgomery County and can be reached at (936) 280-4439.
Flashing vs. Solid Check Engine Light: What Each Means
Vehicles made from 1996 onward use the OBD-II system, which stores diagnostic trouble codes a technician can retrieve with a professional scan tool. Flashing and solid lights call for different responses, but both require attention.
Flashing Check Engine Light
A flashing light signals an active problem. It commonly accompanies an engine misfire that sends unburned fuel into the exhaust, where continued operation can damage the catalytic converter. If your light is flashing, reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration, and get to a shop as soon as safely possible. Pull over in a safe location if the vehicle is shaking, losing power, or running poorly.
Solid Check Engine Light
A solid light means the engine control module has detected and stored a fault. If the vehicle is driving normally, driving to our Willis shop is generally fine, and you can schedule a timely diagnostic without stopping immediately. Don’t put the appointment off for weeks, since the underlying problem can worsen or affect other systems.
Why You Shouldn’t Reset Codes Without a Repair
Erasing a stored code doesn’t correct the fault that caused it. The check engine light can return when the engine control module detects the same condition again. Repeatedly clearing codes can also remove information a technician needs to reproduce the issue and complete an accurate diagnosis.
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.