Reading codes

Counting the flashes with the key dance should not be difficult at all. The pause between the two digits of each code is shorter than the pause between codes. So for instance, if there is a code 24 (which usually trips a code 12, at the beginning of any stored code; and a 55 end of message):

Turn key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON and leave it ON.
FLASH (short pause) FLASH FLASH (long pause) FLASH FLASH (short pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause)
FLASH FLASH FLASH FLASH FLASH (short pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH FLASH FLASH.

If all you want is the code itself, it's very, very expensive to spend nearly $200 for what you can get for free per the above technique.

Ah, see, you said before that you just had trouble counting the flashes, not that it didn't work. So I'm unclear as to what the issue is. But you can still go to any auto parts store and have them read the codes for free.

People spending $2,000 are NOT buying simple code readers. They are buying diagnostic tools which read the engine and sensor parameters dynamically. And they must be getting equipment that can read every car ever made for that money. You can buy diagnostic software and hardware for under $300 which reads the parameters. But again, you can get the codes for free anywhere. OBD I is VERY limited as to what else you can get out of it.

If you post your symptoms and what you are trying to diagnose, we can probably help quite a bit - again, for free.