i have been trying to figure out why my heat isnt working and i read that i need to check if both the input and output hoses to the heater core should be hot but i dont know where they are so i can check them. do i need to take off the cover that says Audi V6 and has the emblem? Thanks!

 

next to your battery... two rubber hoses coming up from the back of the engine going into the firewall... there should be two metal hoses partially sticking out from the firewall where these two hoses connect... make sure the heat is running, obviously... when its checked. should be very hot going in and just hot coming out

 

Speaking of heater core hoses, the one with the plastic collar ( I don't know if it's inlet or outlet to be honest), is cracked longways down the neck. I'm replacing the coolant flange soon, and am wondering where I can find this hose? Or does it need replacing?

Dealer says it's about $79. I found one on Ebay, however they don't have a clear pic and I don't want to get the wrong one. Anyone know of a good price on a decent quality heater hose? This hose has a plastic collar and a "C" type clip that holds it to the coolant flange.

Here's a pic: