For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics looking to dive into vehicle diagnostics and engine performance monitoring, the Brockway 900 and 900e OBD2 scan tools present a straightforward and affordable option. These devices tap directly into your car’s ECU via the OBD2 port, providing real-time data on crucial engine parameters, which is essential for understanding your vehicle’s health and even laying the groundwork for performance tuning.
Real-Time Engine Data at Your Fingertips
The Brockway 900 is designed to be a user-friendly vehicle sensor monitor. Plugging into the standard OBD2 port found in most 1996 and newer import vehicles, it accurately pulls data directly from your engine’s computer. Through a simple interface offering nine different display modes, you can keep tabs on a range of engine metrics, including:
- RPM (Engine Speed): Essential for understanding engine load and performance.
- Ignition Timing: Crucial for engine efficiency and power output.
- TPS (Throttle Position Sensor): Indicates how much the throttle is open, reflecting driver input.
- MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure): Measures pressure in the intake manifold, important for fuel delivery and engine load calculations.
- MAF (Mass Air Flow): Measures the amount of air entering the engine, critical for air-fuel ratio management.
- ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature): Monitors engine temperature to prevent overheating.
- IAT (Intake Air Temperature): Measures the temperature of air entering the engine, affecting air density and performance.
- O2 (Oxygen Sensor Voltage): Provides feedback on exhaust gas oxygen levels, vital for fuel mixture control and catalytic converter efficiency.
- VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor): Displays vehicle speed, useful for performance measurement and diagnostics.
Users can choose to view speed and temperature in either Metric or English units, and the LCD screen features a dimming function for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.
Enhanced Features with the R900e Model
Stepping up to the Brockway R900e adds performance-oriented features for enthusiasts. It retains all the monitoring capabilities of the R900 and integrates:
- Two-Stage Shift Light: Visually indicates optimal shift points, adjustable from 3,000 rpm to 11,500 rpm in 100 rpm increments. The shift light activation is also speed-sensitive, adjustable from 10 mph to 200 mph. This feature is particularly beneficial for drivers focused on maximizing acceleration and performance, especially on the track.
- 0-60 mph Timer: Automatically measures 0-60 mph (or 0-100 km/h) acceleration times. It resets at 0 mph and starts timing as soon as the vehicle moves, displaying the result once the target speed is reached. The R900e utilizes an internal accelerometer for accurate motion detection and then tracks the VSS for speed measurement. This is a handy tool for gauging vehicle performance improvements after modifications or tuning adjustments.
Read and Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Beyond real-time monitoring, both the Brockway 900 and 900e can read and clear engine Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). This functionality allows users to identify the source of “check engine” lights and potentially resolve minor issues themselves, saving time and money on trips to a mechanic. While not a full-fledged professional diagnostic tool, this capability adds significant value for basic troubleshooting.
Affordable Entry into OBD2 Monitoring
The Brockway 900 offers a cost-effective entry point into OBD2 engine monitoring at just $179. The enhanced R900e, with its shift light and 0-60 timer, is priced at $229 and comes with shift lights available in red, white, blue, or green. For those seeking fundamental engine data monitoring and basic diagnostic capabilities without a steep investment, the Brockway 900 series presents a viable option. While it may not offer advanced tuning capabilities directly, understanding the data provided by these tools is a crucial first step for anyone considering OBD2 tuning or performance modifications in the future.
