The check engine light on my 2000 Malibu came on last night.  It's still on.  Is there any way to check the codes without using an actual scanner?  I thought I've heard of a way to check it by jumping certain scanner terminal connectors.

Have I heard correctly that Autozone will do this scan for you for free? Are they able to tell you what part(s) need replacing?

UPDATE 7/18:
I went to AutoZone. They read the code: P0410 a problem with the "Secondary Air Injection System"
I searched the internet for this and found that there is a known issue with water getting into this "A.I.R. Pump". I called a chevy dealer about it.  Just to clear the code will cost me $41.  To pull the AIR Pump, check it for water, clear water out, put it back is around $80.  If it needs replacement, it's around $400.

What should I do about this?  Is there anything I can do myself?  Can I clear the code myself? etc.

Thanks!
Adam38916.3095601852

I go to Autozone all the time when I get them...they can also clear them if you ask them nicely..oh and it's free
JimG38912.4755439815

Autozone definitely does it.
Scott

Please see UPDATE 7/18 above.
Thanks!

Adam, disconnecting the battery will clear the code, and turn the light off. If there is a definite problem with the air pump, the code will return. If the problem is intermittant, it may not reset the code.
If you disconnect the neg. cable to clear the code(s), make sure you know the code for your radio, if it is a theft deterant type.
Also, when you disconnect the bat. on any OBDII system('96-up), it will also reset all of the "readiness" monitors. If you have an emmissions inspection(IM240 or equiv.), they can not inspect the car until all monitor "readiness" tests are complete. This normally involves just driving the car around for a few days, sometimes longer, to reset the monitors.
If you do not have to have the car inspected anytime soon, just disconnect the neg. batt. cable for a couple of minutes, and you should be good to go. If the code for the AIR system sets again, it may need to be replaced/repaired. Sometimes just heavy humidity can create false codes such as this. If the light comes on immedeatly after reconnecting, there is a definite prob. Adams' Apple38916.3628935185

Joel...Thanks!! I also read on the internet that I should check the fuse for the AIR pump to make sure it was not blown, otherwise that will cause the light to come back on, even if the AIR pump is ok.  Should my owners manual tell me which fuse is for the AIR pump?

Thanks again!

If the fusebox cover does not list it, the owner's manual should. The manual gives a much more detailed itemization of what fuse protects what components.
Most fuses protect more than one component/system. For example, on a lot of GM cars, the fuse for the trans also protects the A/C system.
Also, most late GM computers have what is known as "Quad Drivers". These are similar to circuit breakers, and they each control 4 separate systems. These quad drivers are integrated into the ECM('puter). If there is a problem in any of the circuits that the quad driver operates, it will set a code for the driver, but not the specific system that actually is causing the failure.
By all means, check the manual and see if the AIR pump is listed, first. If there are other components on the same fuse circuit(radio, wipers, etc.), and they all work, then it will not be the fuse.

This is an old post, but...I checked this code in one of my books, and it says..:

P0410- Secondary Air Injection(AIR) system malfunction

Probable Cause: Wiring, AIR Valve, AIR Solenoid, ECM('puter)

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]This is an old post, but...I checked this code in one of my books, and it says..:

P0410- Secondary Air Injection(AIR) system malfunction

Probable Cause: Wiring, AIR Valve, AIR Solenoid, ECM('puter)

[/QUOTE]

Yeah, that's the one.  I'm not sure if you telling me helps me or makes me want to throw up!

Ya know, it could just be water/ contamination on the connector(s), and not the pump itself. Now, if we could jes figure out exactly where that dang pump is...

I'll do some mo checkin to see if I can get a location/diagram...