My fridge side isnt very cold even on the highest setting but my freezer works great

Hi.

Possible faults causing the problem are either a frozen damper fan blades, broken damper motor or a defective defrost system.

If there is no air circulation then problem is likely frozen fan blades, less commonly faulty damper motor. The defrost system may still be responsible, as this fault is often confused with air circulation problem (see below).

If the fault is given by frozen fan blades you will get rid of the problem by simply performing a full defrost (leave unit off overnight).

If the problem is the defrost system, a defrost may temporarily fix the problem, but the fridge will stop cooling again as soon as ice build up comes back, usually after days or weeks from defrost.

The function of the defrost system, located at the back of the freezer firewall, is to prevent condenser coils at the back of the fridge from cooling down and icing up. When the defrost system is defective you get poor cooling, particularly in the fridge section.

You can test if the problem is the defrost system by leaving the unit disconnected or off for 24 or 48 hours.

As said, if problem was the defrost system, then the problem will disappear after full defrost, to come back in a couple of weeks.

Other problems that can cause insufficient cooling are compressor problems, refrigerant leaks, and depending on the model, electronic control faults.

Start doing a defrost for 12 or 24 hours. Cross fingers and hope that the problem was fan blades frozen. You can follow the general troubleshooting illustrated here (the article refers to a different fridge, a Whirpool built Kenmore model, things are not too different on your Hotpoint):Kenmore side by side...

You can find parts and diagrams for most models using the link below:Where do I find parts and diagrams?