That happened to me (on my '89 Westy).  The problem was the headlight switch (not the keyswitch), which I replaced.  And while I was at it I (with much help from Don in North Carolina) replaced the headlight relays to keep it from happening again.

No problems since then.

If you have a modicum of technical skill (I don't), you won't need Don's help to do these replacements.

Joy

****************************************************************
Joy Hecht
and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon

For musings about life and the vanadventures:
http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy

****************************************************************

:::-----Original Message-----
:::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
:::Of Eric M. Spletzer
:::Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 1:44 PM
:::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
:::Subject: 85 Vanagon GL Lights Issue
:::
:::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