Gday Matthew ..
Because you are looking for low ohms value (3 -4 ohms) .. set meter to 200 ohms. Machine should be switched off when taking readings.. and yes, test again after disconnecting the coil (if the value is higher than 3 - 4 ohms with coil connected)..

Also, with the coil disconnected, put the 9V battery across the coil lugs (no wires needed .. the distance between the battery terminals and the coils lugs is pretty much the same) .. this will fire the coil..  also. check that both the coil windings are still soldered to the lugs ..

Quote from: Strangeways on March 25, 2009, 01:36:38 PM

To check the coil - Set the MM to OHMS, and place the probe on each lug of the coil. You should see around 4 Ohms. Remove the connector to the coil (nearest the coil) - also check the wires are soldered on the coil.

1) On my MM, Ohms has 5 settings (2000K, 200K, 20K, 2000, 200). Which setting do I use? 
2) Do I perform the first test with the machine switched on and the coil connected? 
3) After I remove the connector to the coil (nearest the coil), do I need to test using the MM again? If so, what value should I expect? Machine switched off or on? 

Matthew