l do not wanna go to my dealership because last time they charged me well over $100 and then said there was no error code. I'd like to buy one for myself. Are they alldifferent for various makes/models or do they work on pretty much every modern car?

checker or auto zone will check it for free if is newer than 95, you need a OBD 2 reader for your year, they are about 40-50 bucks but there are different cables for different cars, make sure you read the package to see if it covers your year car

Its called an obd reader you can get one at any parts store for about $50 dollars.

You need a OBDI l code reader and the Chilton is book with the codes. Found at any pep boys, auto zone napa, etc. Auto zone will do it for you for free.

OBD I l Run by auto zone they will read your computer for free and tell you what is wrong ,now they are not mechanic so write down the codes and run by your mechanic shop and he will tell you and fix your problem, hope this helps,

You need to borrow or buy an OBD-I l CODE READER that has GENERIC CODES as well as many of the FORD specific CODES.

take it to a car parts store they do it for free. l have the same car.. but mine tells when there is something wrong/.