ignition coil test reading

[eamartin]

2011 Kymco Agility 50.  Primary coil test spec range is 0.1 to 1.0 ohms.  When I attach my tester leads I cannot get a steady reading.  The display moves from 0.1 to 0.4 and all points in between.  It does not move quickly but it will not hold a steady reading - ever.  What is going on? Is this a problem?   

[MJR]

What happens when you connect just the two test leads together?

[CROSSBOLT]

Like MJR said, that will "prove" the meter. I have to constantly open and use contact cleaner in the rotary switch in these cheapo digital meters. They work with such low current, the slightest corrosion, stuff ya cain't see, will jitter the readings! Clean the probes, too! Take your readings AFTER all that and the numbers are steady.

[eamartin]

Thanks to both of you for your responses.  I get similar results when connecting the 2 leads to one another.  Tomorrow I will see if this meter comes apart. 

[eamartin]

Batteries were tested, read low and were replaced.  Same result.  All other meter functions work as they should.  Tiny ohm readings (like the 0.1 - 1.0) show the fluctuations I mentioned.  Readings of the K-ohm variety do not fluctuate. After additional research I've concluded that my old econo Radio Shack meter has difficulty reading very low resistances.

[CROSSBOLT]

The RS meters can be touchy but for not much more money you can  get a better one at Lowes or even Harbor Freight.