John's Auto Care
 

Check engine diagnostics

Find out why the light is on before you pay for a repair.

How soon does it need to be in?

Prefer to talk?Call (571) 749-1731

What is included

We read the codes, then test the part behind them, so you are not paying to replace parts on a guess. You get the cause and the price before any work starts.

  • Read the codes the car has stored
  • Test the part behind the code before anything is replaced
  • Check live data and wiring when the code is not the whole story
  • Give you the cause and the price before any work starts

When to book

  • The check engine light is on, or flashing
  • Rough idle, stalling or hesitation
  • Worse gas mileage than usual
  • The light went out and came back
  • An emissions test is due with the light on

How it works at John's.

No surprises. You know what it needs and what it costs before we start.

John's Auto CareService order
  1. 1

    Tell us what is going on

    Request a time here, call, or use our after-hours drop-off.

  2. 2

    We find the cause

    We test before we replace, then show you what we found.

  3. 3

    You say yes first

    The price comes broken down. Nothing gets done without your yes.

Nothing starts without your yes.

A good shop earns your trust.

5.0 151 reviews on Google
Jacob YorkGoogle · Sep 2026
A+++ Service, honest pricing, and quality work. I thought there was major issues with my car, and after the expert technician examined it, I was informed it was only a sensor issue. The fix…
Robert OliverGoogle · Sep 2026
John's Auto Care is awesome. I was in the middle of a long trip when my truck broke down. I was able to get the truck to the shop and John's team diagnosed the problem. Given the age of the…
Joe MeierGoogle · Sep 2026
Clutch blew in my 1990 f-150. These guys got me back on the road with a brand new clutch in 24 hours! Fair, transparent prices and incredible service!
Ahmad HassaneGoogle · Sep 2026
Very professional and honest. He serviced my CVT transmission for much less than other shops quoted and even fixed my tire free of charge. He was extremely helpful, took the time to explain…
Aziz ContehGoogle · Sep 2026
I rarely leave reviews, but when a business shows this much integrity, I feel obligated to give them credit. I brought my Lexus IS in because I had a nail in one of my tires and needed it…
Chimaobi IwumuneGoogle · Sep 2026
I left my car with John to “figure it out”. Not only did he figure out what has been wrong with my car for years, but he fixed it so well it’s in better condition than when I bought it. Will…

Questions people ask

What does it mean when my check engine light is on?

The light points to a system, not a part. Solid means get it checked soon. Flashing means stop driving and call us. Common causes are a loose gas cap, an oxygen sensor or a misfire. We test before we replace anything, so you only pay for the part that failed.

Can I keep driving with the check engine light on?

If it is flashing, no. Pull over and call us, because driving can ruin the catalytic converter. If it is solid and the car drives normally, it is usually safe to drive in soon. Do it before your emissions test is due.

Will my car pass inspection with the check engine light on?

No. In Fairfax County, Lorton included, cars need an emissions test every two years, and a lit check engine light fails it. Virginia safety inspection is every year. We do both, so bring it in, we find what set the light, fix it, and get you through.

Still have a question?

Call and ask the people who will do the work.

Call (571) 749-1731
Call