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Hi all,

A few weeks ago it started getting check engine, someone suggested the gas cap wasnt right?  Then it was running rough, changed the spark plugs today, disconnected the battery, and it seems to run okay but check engine

All Ive done was test drive it today, dont know how it was before.  Going on the freeway onramp from stop? it sure doesnt shift that well, speeds up then shifts and loses power, there seems to be a howl that sounds like a differential howl;

Well Im trying to help diagnose it, but dont know how to get the code.  In an older Toyota I have, you connect some wire thing and turn the key and it blinks a number of times;

Or is there some code reader thing to rent at the auto parts store??  

Any suggestions even barely related to this are appreciated.  
tia  

Autozone will do it for free.