Can one read the Check Engine Light code easily?

My 99 Esteem, with a 1.8 liter, automatic trans, had the Check Engine Light come on.

Can I read this w/o one of those reader modules like I can on my '93 Geo Metro?

I want to find out why it is on w/o paying some mechanic to read the computer.

99 will require a OBD II code reader, all cars made after 96 have to have the same plug and uses the same program to let mechanics read the codes. you can buy a cheap code reader on e-bay or look at the ones for sale at parts stores. as long as it says its for OBD II it will read the codes on your car. can't just plug a fuse in like the older metros, sorry

Autozone is known for reading codes for free, other places may as well.