Reading codes ?????

I have a 96 Tahoe and the service engine light has been on for a couple days and it seems to run fine. I remember shorting out two pins on a 92 Blazer to read the codes. I have the factory manuals and they only talk about using the code reader. Is there a way to access the codes WITHOUT buying a reader. ???? OR is there a auto parts store that I can rent/borrow one from. ??? I live in Northern California.


ANY help would be appreciated..................

The 92 Blazer was an OBD I (On Board Diagnostics) computer. 1996 and newer vehicles have an OBD II. The old system could be accessed with a paper clip and be read by the number of times it blinked however, the newer systems cannot do this. They have to be read with a code reader which the cheapest one will be about $99 @ your local AutoZone. Or you can go to AutoZone and have them read it free of charge. You will also have to use the code reader to clear the codes, there is no way one can reset the system by jumping the wires. Hope this helps.