All those components should shut off while the engine is cranking. if they
fail to come back on when the key is released, the ignition switch is
failing and will need to be replaced. Try turning backwards a bit further to
get the lights going temporarily.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Ray Reinhard
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2000 6:07 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Electrical System Mystery

I need your help on a weird one.  When I have my engine running, my
headlights, foglights, radio, windshield wipers and heater fan have
no power.  Other parts of the electrical system (e.g., parking
lights, interior lights, dashboard lights, turn signals, emergency
flashers) work fine.  When I turn the engine off, and turn the key to
the "accessory" (first click) position, ALL components operate.  It's
only when I turn the key to the next position (starting the engine)
that the components noted above "cut out."
--
Ray Reinhard
'86 Westfalia GL