You can use your volt/ohm meter to see if there is continuity and that could tell you if it has a open circuit/dead (a test light that has a battery would also work) but that won't tell you if all of the grids are function.

I have not been to a junkyard out here for a long time but it used to be you could purchase a warranty on the part you take of. However, the warranty only covered you getting another used part.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel