Sounds like a classic case of the keyswitch going bad. Relatively easy
replacement.

On May 3, 2005, at 1:44 PM, Eric M. Spletzer wrote:

> Hi All-
>
> I'm having an issue with my headlights in my 85 GL Vanagon Westfalia.
> I'm driving along the central valley in CA and stop for a taco.  When I
> come back out, my lights won't turn on UNLESS I pull the switch for the
> brights/flashers back.  I had to make it home with a battery shoved in
> to keep the switch held back.
>
> It didn't seem like a fuse, or at least I couldn't find one, nor did it
> make too much sense since the lights still worked with the switch
> pulled back.  Seems like a switch issue to me.
>
> Anybody have this happen and know a good fix.  Do I have to replace the
> whole switch unit?  If so, anybody have one?
>
> Thanks!
>
> -eric
>
> '85 Vanagon GL Westfalia