How to check codes

How do you check the codes on a 1996 Lumina 3.1?

The paper clip trick wont work for you, your car is OBDII - you will need to have your car scanned with a code reader - autozone generally does it for free. Or, if you are planning on working on quite a few cars, you may want to purchase your own code reader - they are rather expensive though, even the cheaper brands are up there.

If you bring it to a mechanic it will cost you about $75 Checker Auto Parts also does it for free but it is not as detailed as you may like it.

Its true you can go to certain auto stores and have them read/clear the codes on vehicles '96 or newer. Most basic code scanners at an auto store start at about $150.00 and go up from there. This is an investment to consider if you do not do this kind of troubleshooting often.

However, I can recommend a good cheap ODBII scanner that does work and will clear codes as well. It cost $39.00 and thats cheap enough for any car owner to get. It is simple, but is a good tool for anyone with a newer vehicle. I have personally tried this item. It will not read any of the "special" codes reserved for the dealers or more professional scanners, but it will retreive all the standard codes you would mostly encounter. I can tell you from experience that Autozone and its $150.00 scanner will also not read the special codes, so there is no loss on this item. Its available from Harbor Freight Tools. You can buy it online, or search to see if they have a store near you. The following is a link to the tool:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030

Go to Autozone, they can read it for free. Most common codes: cylinder missfire, and Evap.