Electrical part of the ignition switch would be where I would start, it
wears out and causes exactly those symptoms. Dealer charged me $75 to
diagnose and fix while traveling, however it is an easy DIY repair as well.

Confirm you fuses are all intact too.

Date:    Mon, 10 Feb 2003 20:31:41 -0600
From:    Richard & Mary Ellen Tierney <menrt@LL.NET>
Subject: HELP HELP HELP Big Headlight Trouble

----- Original Message -----=20
From: Richard & Mary Ellen Tierney=20
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com=20
Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 9:05 PM
Subject: Headlight Trouble

This is my problem;

I turn on the headlights, all exterior lights come on except for the =
headlights.
The radio doesn't work, heater fan doesn't work, electric windows don't =
work.
If I pull the dimmer switch back and hold it back, everything =
works......All headlights come on.

1987 Vanagon=20

Any help.