Now if you need a code read there are a few ways.
1. go to NAPA, autozone , PEPboys , jiffy lube ,mr. lube or anotehr local parts store .Most of them will always give you a free quick scan if asked to get the codes.
2.buy a code reader ever car since 97 until now use OBD2 compliant scanners.So every car you own can benifit from this tool which can save you headache by knowing what is happening and getting proper advice on here about its repair or to make sure you mechanic is not ripping you off.To me the last part is worth its weight in gold and any obd2 scanner can be bought as they are all exactly the same kind of like spoons, they look slightly different but serve the same purpose no matter what.
Another option is to get a peripheral link if you have a handheld computer or laptop which can scan the codes as well and some will also data log some of the parameters to give more defined info.
3.Go to the dealer and get it read ,some do it for free.
4.I am not a fan of shorting pins and openly am telling you not to do it,but at your own risk here is the info to take a paperclip and the dash CEL will flash to correspond.
How to clear the store codes and turn off the CEL
Pin locations
Trac system codes