Want to learn! How to start??

Hi. I'm new to this forum but have already found it very, very helpful with the limited amount of time I've spent on it.

Here's the deal, I do not want to completely be at the mercy of mechanics at whatever garage I have to go to (if I'm not near or unable to get to the one that I usually go to). I don't want to be taken advantage of because it appears that I don't know anything.

So, I do know some basics and am willing and able to learn. The question is Where and how do I start? I do know SOME basics, but it seems by the volume of communication on this board that there is SO much to learn it is a little overwhelming.

So, how can I get started? How can I get an idea of what is going on with my vehicle before I take it in to the garage.

I'me tired of having to pay money for them to run the diagnostics- $89.00 a pop!!

I've heard a lot about the different "codes". How do I start to find out the codes and what they mean on my 99 Windstar SEL with 94,000 miles on it?

So, please forgive me if this has been addressed before in another thread. I haven't figured out how to use the "search" yet. Any hints on that would be great also.

Thank you in advance for anything that anyone can contribute to increasing my knowledge.

You might want to do a search on the web and go to some basic "how does an engine work" etc. In fact there is an excellent site calle "howstuffworks.com". Try and understand the basics first. A haynes for your vehicl can be helpful too.

I found that the manual that came with my code reader supplied excellent information on the sensors and how/why they cause a CEL. The manual is online at Codereader.com. Go to the 3100 section.

It is great that you wish to learn but do understand that most of us did not learn things overnight. I learned from doing a lot of reading and attacking every job I could. Often it is good to be knowledgeable when you take your car in so that you can understand what they are telling you and you will not be afraid to ask questions. Perahps you have a neighbour that you might want to assist on his or her repairs just to get some "on the job" training.

The search section here is fairly easy. Just type in something you want to search for in the search box. For example "brakes" and you will come up with a lot of places to read.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most here are willing to help.

Remember the most important part is safety. Don't attampt any job that you do not feel you can do safely or that you do not have proper equipment to perform safely.

Thank you very much for providing some good information on where and how to start, and stating it in a very nice way. I'm looking forward to the adventure.