I'd rather buy an OBDII scanner than do the screwdriver self diag thing. anyone got advice on models, features, etc. that I should look for? Ideally I'd like to spend about $100 bucks.

could/will a '99 throw codes if the CEL is not on? (e.g. for the KS)?

 

PepBoys routinely sells Actron scanners for < 100 bucks...

Yes - you may see the 0304 (KS) code without the CEL in a 99.

 

Actron's are good scanners. I have the Actron CP9135 model. It reads all the "P0" codes with some "P1" codes. When I bought mine, it was like $99.00 at Pep Boys. The more expensive models reads more "P1" codes like I have in my 5th gener. But, 4th gener's don't have as many "P1" codes as the 5th gener's, so this scanner will work for you.

 

This should keep you busy
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=332205

 

cool. thanks guys.

 

I also saw an OBDII at Walmart for $100.

 

or do i have to do the screw thing to reset it?? it has an erase code option, but i am not sure if it just erases and resets or just erases.

 

The scanners can read codes and reset the ECU/clear the codes.