Final answer:
To retrieve stored diagnostic trouble codes from a vehicle, a specialized diagnostic tool is required. Code readers or scan tools can read the codes produced by the car's computer to diagnose issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
To retrieve stored diagnostic trouble codes from a vehicle, you would need a specialized diagnostic tool. These tools, also known as code readers or scan tools, are designed to interface with a car's onboard computer system. Once connected, they can retrieve the codes that the vehicle's computer has generated in response to a malfunction or issue. The vehicle owner's manual, basic hand tools, or an automotive repair manual cannot directly retrieve the trouble codes, but a repair manual might guide you on how to use the diagnostic tool or interpret the codes.