Getting your OBD-II code without a scanner is possible, but only extremely skilled technicians can do this successfully. And it is not worth the hassle. You can simply get a cheap OBD-II scanner and read your OBD-II code easily. But if you still need to get your OBD-II code without a scanner, you can get it using various methods. You can use a paper clip and a jumper wire to create a close circuit on two terminals in the OBD-II diagnostic connector port. Once you turn on the engine, the check engine light will flash or pulse intermittently. The pauses and flashes represent specific digits. You can then look up the code online to see the issue. There are also some new vehicles whose odometer displays the diagnostic trouble codes when you start the engine. You can switch on and off the ignition multiple times and quickly write down the trouble code. All the above methods are stressful. There is nothing like plugging in a cheap car code reader to the car and accessing the fault codes within a few minutes.