Do I need a ODB Scan Tool to read the OBD Codes on my 2001 Silverado?

Is there a way to read the diagnostic codes on a 2001 Chevy Pickup without an OBD-II scan tool reader? Several previous vehicles would blink the codes to you if you turned the key
on/off/on/off/on/off rapidly, or pushed the right combination of radio buttons, etc.

My truck (34000 miles) has been hard to start for a couple of weeks. I bought a can of fuel injector cleaner for it last week ago (which I just put in last night. I was waiting for the gas gauge to drop below 1/2 tank.) The SES light came on yesterday morning. I'd like to see what the codes are, especially to compare with some service bulletins for this model. The oil dipstick smells like gasoline, but that could be my imagination.

BTW, the truck has always gotten poor gas mileage (as bad as my old 1974 3/4 ton) but two different dealers checked that out back in 2002 and said it was normal. Other than the poor fuel economy the truck has had no problems at all until now. (so I don't have service manuals, etc. yet)

Thanks, and best regards,

You need at least an ODD II compliant scan code reader to retrieve any stored codes. The really isn't any trick or flashing light that will tell you. The codes are too complicated for that. There are inexpensive models available that will give you the information you need. Equus makes a nice little unit that will work for you. It is the Equus ODB 2 Scan Tool Reader( model EP13030). This model is under a $100 and easy to use.