how can u pull a code check without a high price machine

i have a 96 ford windstar mini van and i would like to know how to do a code check on it. I know that in gms u can use a paper clip or wire, but can u do that in fords? Also it has sat for 2 years. it did run before it was parked. we put in an ignition module. and good gas. the fuel pump is running and im getting fuel to the front. Someone has said it might be the coil pack. it wants to start. i can crank it and it almost started but died right out.im new to this site so i hope im getting enough info out. i put a new battery in it also. The engine is a 3.8 v6 and it was put in 2 years ago right before it was parked. the guy i got it from said the engine came from a crate from ford or something like that. also another wierd thing is that when u shut all the doors and there is no keys in it the interior lights still stays on. we waited for like 30 mins and they still wouldnt go out so we took a fuse out put had to put it back in cause that fuse also runs my power windows. i need some advice please if anyone can help me.

I have the same problem with the interior lights on my` 96 Windstar.

I would go to Autozone to pull the codes, or buy a scanner (ebay etc) for around 50 dollars up to 300.
I got a 80 dollar OBDII from Checker (Equus 3030) and it does great. I was able to clear 5 DTCs with the scanner on my 95 Winny - just this past weekend. (replaced parts of course)
I am sure the paperclip works with OBDI system only.

IAC and EGR valves do effect operation greatly on FORDS, plus the two upstream O2 sensors are also sensitive to conditions.

Pull the codes and post them back here.

I would go to Autozone to pull the codes, or buy a scanner (ebay etc) for around 50 dollars up to 300.
That's what I was going to originally post as they will do it for free. However, according to the OP's post it appears the van does not run, so getting it there might be an issue.

I am sure the paperclip works with OBDI system only.
Yes the paperclip method works with OBD I up to 1994. OBD II requires a code reader/scanner from 1996 -on. 1995 uses an "oddball" type of system sometimes referred to as OBD 1.5 . You'll need a special adapter to be able to read the trouble codes for that model year.
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