Testing a Zener Diode in a Solid State Pinball Machine?

I was testing a voltage in a Bally pinball machine at on the voltage/solenoid board and accidentally touched a zener diode and it sparked off. I took out my multi-meter (mm) and set it to the diode tester. I wanted to see if I fried the zener diode. With the power to the machine "off" I placed the mm probe on both sides of the zener diode. One way it read .0000 the other way it read 1.549. Is this a legit way of testing the diode to see whether I fried it or not. If so, based on what I got am I "ok" or did I fry it? Anyone knowing the Bally Solenoid board I was checking TP4 and accidentally touched VR1 zener diode. BTW, what does the VR1 control? Any help appreciated. Thanks!