IF you have at least 110 volts, the heat element will work. I have NEVER seen a refer 120 element "partially work". They either work or they do NOT. The simplest test with no tools is to start with the refer off and rear burner area cold. If you have 120 to the control board, start the refer on 120. If after 20 minutes the burner flue is still cold and not hot to the touch, you either have a bad element or the FUSE for the element on the board is blown. Usually, IF the fuse is blown it was caused by a defective 120 element. Doug