How to manually read check engine codes
 

For a 1997 Toyota Camry LE.

I have googled around for how to manually check the engine codes but did not find anything. A few sites said the diag port was in back of a pull out
panel to the left of the steering wheel. I pulled that ad found fuses but not diag port. I did see a connector under the steering column which may be the diag port. There are no pin numbers or a cover with the pinout. If that is the connector how read it? I assume that a couple of pins get shorted but which ones?

i dont know the pins to short wit a paper clip

The port you listed is not inside that compartment. The net had a few references indicating a port there but I think that ended in 1996.

I could not find the ports with googling around so went to the local library which has Chiltons and Mitchel paper reference books that are fairly detailed.

The DTC's are under the hood on the passenger side and one under the dash below the left side of the instrument panel.

The references showed the pinouts to short to make the dash light blink the code so I think I'm all set.