Need to Check CEL w/o OBD-II Scanner

[rootdown_53]

i just finished replacing the head gasket on my '99, went to start it and it fired up, but....
it's idling rough, the exhaust is sputtering, and the CEL is flashing. that last part is keeping my from driving over to vatozone to get the codes read.
does anyone know how to get a 1999 miata to broadcast the codes without a scanner? on old miatas i think you could jumper two pins together and turn on the key to get it to flash the code at you. this didn't work on my car. need help...thanks.

[sammm]

You need a scanner for OBDII. Can't do the paper clip trick.

[goofygrin]

Where are you? I've got a scanner, but I'm in Frisco.

[gabkwong]

I have the OBDII scanner too. I am at Rowlett and work next to Parland Hospital.

[rootdown_53]

I live in Mansfield. I'm gonna try to use a friend's OBD-II interface to a laptop with some freeware tonight. If that doesn't work, I may have an opportunity to drive north! thanks...

[rootdown_53]

Oh man, it was just a misfire on cylinder #4. Demate/remate plug wire, good to go. Now I just need my new new brake line. Yes, one of my new lines is leaking like a sieve. Replacement line is on the way.

Lady luck frowned again this afternoon though. I was in the garage staring at the Miata and dreaming of the next track event when I noticed that the fluid level in the new master cylinder had dropped significantly in the past few days. It too is leaking. Bummer.