Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches California BayArea: CEL code reading?

Hey,

My car threw a CEL today. It has done it once before in 2001; it went on for about two days and then went away, so I just assumed it was bad gas. (Oddly enough, I just filled gas this morning...)

Anyway, I was searching through the troubleshooting forum and everyone says that Advance Auto Parts does free code reading diagnostics. But unfortunately there aren't any Advance locations in the Bay Area (or the West Coast for that matter). I called Kragen, PepBoys, Bermico Auto (Redwood City), and Midas and asked whether or not they do free diagnostic CEL readings. All of them kind of snickered and said no (they all charge about $100). I already know the Ford dealership charges $100 (found that out in 2001). Needless to say, I am not about to shell out $100 to find out I put bad gas in my car (of course it could be something more, like an 02 sensor).

Does anyone know where to get some free diagnostics done?

If not, can anyone with a scanner help me out or point me in the direction of as to where I can buy a cheap scanner?

There seems to be a group buy on some very good scanner software, but:
1) It's expensive ($80, altough probably worth it)
2) Its involved (does more than what I need...I just need a diagnostic)
3) I need to get my code read sooner than later (would have to wait for the group buy)

Thanks for any advice!

In the meantime I'll try resetting the computer and see if that helps.