There is a 12 pin connector under the dash you can retrieve codes without a special scan tool.
There is a company that independent auto repair shops get their information from, this same information is available inexpensively for people that work on their own cars.. The information is year make and model specific, covering repair procedures, torque specifications, fluid capacities and specifications, service bulletins, component locations, wiring diagrams ect.... Alldata is very easy to navigate http://bit.ly/AllData_Repair_Manuals_Online
The path to find the information is
Alldata/diagnoisis and repair/powertrain management/computer and control systems/reading and clearing trouble codes.
Maybe look at http://www.batauto.com/
look at top right of page.