Mitsubishi Repair: Cant check check engine, obd ii, mitsubishi dealership

Question
Hi,
I have a '95 Galant S automatic.  When I hit 75,200+ miles, my check engine light went on.  Everyone told me it would be an O2 censor and not to worry about it.  So I've left it on for a while (about 3k miles), and now its on only 60% of the time.  I went to diff places, but either they could only read 96's + or couldnt read it.  The last place I went to told me that the machine flashed 8's.  I ended up going to the dealership, and they said they had to replace a bunch of stuff and that it would cost 100's to even find out what the problem is.  Can I try just installing a new port and not replace the whole computer?  Or is there anyway to reset it manually?  All I want to do is pass my car inspection that is comming up.  Car runs fine, but they dont like red lights on the dash.
Please help if you can.  I cant find anyone else with this problem.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Answer
Denise,
Between the years 1995 and 1996, the automotive industry changed the standard how codes could be retreived from cars.  All cars and light trucks built and sold in the United States after January 1, 1996 were required to be OBD II equipped (On-Board Diagnostics). In general, this means all 1996 model year cars and light trucks are compliant, even if built in late 1995.  One of factors that will show if your vehicle is definitely OBD II equipped:  There will be a note on a sticker or nameplate under the hood: "OBD II compliant".  Unfortunately, you cannot just replace the port; at least not to my knowledge.  

I don't trust a dealership that says that they cannot take a diagnostic reading unless they relpace several items.  I think they are just trying to get more money out of you than you need to spend.  Plus, a simple diagnostic read that only takes about 30 seconds to perform will end up costing you at least $75 at the dealership.  It's the biggest rip-off they got going.  

If you have more than one Mitsubishi dealership in your area, call them up, and ask for the service department.  Ask one of the service folks if they can perform a 'Check Engine  Light' read from a '95 Galant.  If they say "no", just say 'thank you', and hang up.  Then, check to see if you have an AutoZone in your area.  Most AutoZones will be able to check your cars computer for free! If they can take a reading from your car's computer, they should be able to tell exactly what the problem is.  If you do not have an AutoZone that is able to check your car, call around to local mechanic garages in your area to find out if any of them can check codes from a '95 Galant.  If no one can check your codes, just ask if they can pull your O2 sensors and inspect them to see if they're operational.  Your car has two O2 sensors: One in the front and another near the catalytic converter.  They should both be checked.
Good luck!