I'm looking through my Haynes and it says that I need a multimeter to test out the coils for the right resistance. But for a decent one it seems to cost around a few hundred bucks. So now i'm wondering if a radio shack $20 dollar one would accomplish this job? I know it wont be as good as that several hundred dollar one, but will it do the job? As it says I need to be able to read infinite resistance (what does that mean? Is it like getting a error on the display reading?) The one i had in mind was

this

Thanks again

 

That will work fine.
Question is, why are you checking your coils to begin with?
Do you get ECU error codes?

What is the problem you're having?

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Here is a thread that could answer that question: linky

But to sum up the problem, i'm getting a thumping noise at redlights when i'm sitting there. Sounds as if someone with a aftermarket stereo system is blasting it. So I was doing some reading and also got replies that it could be the ignition coils. So decided to check those first.

 

I think it's unlikely you have a bad coil with no ECU codes.

Easiest way I can think of to find out if your noise is a misfire is put the emergency brake on hard and put the car in drive.
Listen to your exhaust at the back of the car for misfires.
Even raise the hood and listen.