This sounds to me like the ignition switch problem. It's accessed by
removing the plastic steering column shrouds (2, upper and lower-2 screws on
the bottom side) and the white plastic switch is held to the bottom end of
the ignition assembly by a single phillips screw. That just unplugs and is
what needs to be replaced.
I once drove as you did for about 120 miles headed for Moab. Got the wrath
of everyone heading toward me and finally got stopped by a hiway patrolman.
Demo'd my problem to him and he just wished me well and sent me on my way.
My $0.02
bob

----- Original Message -----
From: "LOREN BUSCH" <labusch@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, November 25, 2004 8:53 PM
Subject: Low Beams out, Where to Look?

> I'm coming to the list before I start troubleshooting in the morning,
> it's raining out there tonight.
> Problem: No low beams on the headlights.  With switch on, ignition on,
> all other standing lights come on (tail lights and marker lights).  High
> and low beams turn on when the turn signal lever is pulled up BUT do not
> lock on as they normally would. (Drove about eight miles home holding
> the lever up so that I had headlights.)
> I assume it has to be a fuse or a relay.  The fuse I can find if that is
> it, but what is the number/location of the relay for the headlights?
> BTW this is '90 Vanagon Westfalia.
> I'm assuming that there is someone that has BTDT and can save me some
> time tomorrow morning.  All suggestions welcome.  And thank ahead of time.
>