There has been some debate on the Honda forum as
to whether post-96 hondas' codes can be read the
way pre-96 OBDI cars were. I have not done it
myself, but you can use a paperclip to jumper
the 2 pin service connector by the ECU behind
the passenger side kick panel. Then you turn
the key to the 'ON' position (don't start it)
and watch the Check Engine Light flash. Long
flash = 10, short flash = 1. Then use the table
(easily located on the internet or in the shop
manual) to determine what the ECU thinks is
wrong.

As I said, I have not had to try this yet, but
some people have had success with it,
specifically on a 97 civic.

t