Code readers for 02 envoy

Since I have been updating my fleet of vehicles I have been doing alot of reading here on the code readers etc and the craziest little things that set them off for one reason or another.

The nearest autozone is a 15 mile trip one way for those free readings you guys talk about here. I have a advanced auto and a napa within 5 miles of me and dont know if they offer readings or not for codes on the SES light.

So I was wondering what type of homeowner shade tree mechanic reader do I need to get that I could read a SES code and then be able to tell what the code means. Then one I could reset without having to pull the pmc b fuse to reset (which is no biggie) if not available.
Also would the same reader for the 02 envoy work on the 04 monte?

Any other specialty tools I might need for the 02 04?

Any obd11 reader will work for basic emissions codes on any 96 car/truck. But the code has many causes and to be able to look at live info is really the way to diagnose a problem. A code reader can be bought for around $75 from just about any parts house.

I was looking the 02 and 04 today. Where in the world do the code readers even plug in at?

I know taking it in for a reading on the big machines is the way to go with real time. But when it is just a gasp cap code clutch fan code etc, i would just soon trouble shoot the easy stuff myself. Thanks.

Under the r/s of the dash near the steering column, get under there you will see it.

You can buy a scan tool for as little as $50, but those are no-frills and you only get the code number(s). Better ones will tell you the fault(s) in text and assess your emissions system...abt $70-$100. But if you're interested in repairing the trucks yourself, then Maxwedge is correct in that for good diagnosis, real-time data is the best. Those tools can run $150-$300, depending on the features you want...numerical data, graphical data, data capture and d/l, etc. But one tool can service all vehicles.