Removed the zener diode. Testing it with my Horrible Freight multimeter shows .001 when testing it both directions so I am assuming that means its damaged. I now get 4.97v on the VIN but only 2.5v on VCC so I am assuming something else is likely damaged or its caused by the missing components. What should I do next?
I know, I need a new multimeter.
Thanks for your help so far!