Check engine light code without ODB2 scan device?

[JEDI]

2005 Mazda3 automatic

i had a transmission flush 4 days ago. After 300miles of driving, i get the check engine light today.

1) Is there a way for me to determine what the error code is w/o an ODB2 device?

2) Also, i checked the ATF dip stick. It was full, but it was clear liquid?!?!
Isnt ATF suppose to be RED?

 

[NutBucket]

2) I wouldn't jump to any conclusions on colors these days. Seems like everyone is making different colored fluids now.

 

[LTC8K6]

Drip some on a white paper towel. That will help you with the color. New clean fluid can seem clear on the dipstick.

An Auto Zone or Advance Auto will often read the code for you.

 

[brblx]

trans fluid might be any shade of red or more of a brown or purple. clear seems odd. dab it on a paper towel, as posted above.

you can't do anything about the light without a scan tool. you can disconnect the battery or just remove the ECM relay from the fusebox for a while, but i would advise actually retrieving the code. it will probably come right back, anyway.

if you feel this is trans related (and not just a coincidence), you'll probably need a fairly advanced scan tool to read the code. all a generic obdII reader will give is a code for the TCM requesting the MIL.

 

[SpeedEng66]

some vehicles (chryslers) you can key dance and get codes
turn the key on off 3 times

but most cars not so much
if you have a autozone near you they scan/check for free

 

[BW86]

as stated above - just go to autozone and get a free scan.