Meet the author

James Rowan

A clearer view of scan tools, compatibility and software ownership.

Behind the guides

James Rowan

James covers diagnostic scanners for Scan Tool Ledger, focusing on vehicle compatibility, service functions and software ownership. The guides draw on manufacturer specifications, manuals and support information to explain what buyers should confirm before choosing a tool.

50 published articles

Our research approach

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Latest articles from James Rowan

Disconnected throttle-body assembly beside a diagnostic tablet

Buying Guides

Best Scan Tools for Throttle Body Relearn: Models and Coverage Questions

Compare scanners for throttle-body relearn and learn how a relearn differs from an active test, adaptation or generic service reset.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Transmission component and diagnostic tablet in a workshop

Buying Guides

Best Diagnostic Scanners for Transmission Problems: 6 Models to Check

Compare six scanners for transmission diagnostics, with checks for TCM access, fluid-temperature data and vehicle-specific service functions.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Diagnostic tablet in a parked car with an intact steering wheel

Buying Guides

Best Scan Tools for SRS Airbag Codes: 6 Models to Investigate

Compare six scanners for SRS code access. Verify restraint-module coverage and understand why reading codes does not establish repair capability.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Diagnostic scanner and inspection notebook beside a parked used car

Buying Guides

Best Diagnostic Scanners for Used-Car Inspections: 6 Options and What They Cannot Prove

Compare six scanners for used-car inspections, including readiness checks, module access and the problems scan data cannot rule out.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Electronic parking-brake caliper beside a diagnostic tablet

Buying Guides

Best Scan Tools for Electronic Parking Brake Service: 6 Models to Verify

Compare six scanners for electronic parking brake service and learn which vehicle-specific maintenance functions to confirm before buying.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Covered car battery, maintainer and support unit beside a diagnostic tablet

Ownership Guides

Battery Support During Vehicle Diagnostics: Charger, Maintainer or Programming Supply?

Understand the roles of battery chargers, maintainers and programming power supplies, and why the required support depends on the procedure.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Diagnostic tablet beside a covered twelve-volt battery in an engine bay

Buying Guides

Best Scan Tools for Battery Registration: 6 Options to Check Before Buying

Compare six scanners for battery registration. Understand BMS reset differences and what to confirm for your vehicle before buying.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

ABS control module and diagnostic tablet on a workshop bench

Buying Guides

Best Scan Tools for ABS Bleeding: 6 Options and Critical Coverage Checks

Compare six scanners to investigate for ABS bleeding. Check vehicle-specific procedure support and the limits of a scanner's ABS menu.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Diagnostic tablet and hand tools in an organized home garage

Buying Guides

Best Bidirectional Scan Tools for Home Mechanics: 6 Models Compared

Compare six bidirectional scanners for home mechanics, including active-test limits, vehicle coverage and software ownership checks.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide

Diagnostic tablet and coiled cable on a service cart beside a parked car

Model Research

XTOOL D7S US Features and Limitations: What Buyers Should Know

Review XTOOL D7S US features, service-function limits, regional differences and update terms before checking support for your vehicle.

Updated Oct 31, 2026Read guide