How do I check my codes?

I have a 1998 ML320 with 150K miles.

Has worked great everyday until now.
Upon leaving work battery was dead, just click click when I tried to start.
I replaced the battery, and now it will almost start and then die, every time.

I can hear it fire at first, and then it instantly dies, like no fire.

If I spray starter fluid while cranking, it does not run any longer.
Making me think it is not fuel, but instead electrical.
The metal fuel line bleeder seems to have pressure, if I press it as it's cranking, it sprays fuel out, like it's definetely under pressure.

I don't have a manual, and I don't know how to check my codes.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated.

How do I get a manual?
How do I check my codes?
What could be causing this start and then instantly stall symptom?
And could the dead battery have something to do with this.
Battery never had troubler before this.

Thanks in advance for suggestions/advice.

Regards, Ben

 

Dealer can get you a manual
Codes are read with an OBDII reader (many auto parts stores will lend you a basic model)
Sounds like it could be a crank position sensor, but I don't know if you have some sort of security feature that would need to be reset - might look in your owners manual for the radio code first off, and any additional security codes.
If the last part of the last sentence is true, then you will need to reset your security system.

Good luck