This feature for the headlights only was introduced on VWs in 1971.  My 84's
Headlights go off when the ignition is switched off.  However, the parking
lights and tail/license light do remain on.  I now own an 04 Kia Spectra EX
that has the additional feature of the running lights
turning off when the Ignition Key is removed from the lock cylinder with the
switch still on (very convenient!).

On the Vanagon, you would have to jumper the Terminal 56 (Headlights) on the
Headlight switch to the wires coming off of Terminal 58 (Running Lights) &
Terminal 58b (Instrument Lights) (thus not using Terminal 58 or 58b at
all).  However, you run a chance of making the switch overheat running ALL
of the lighting requirements thru that one circuit.  (Note:  Terminal 56 is
powered thru the switch from Terminal X which get's it's power from Terminal
X at the Ignition Switch).  The Headlight Switch is already a too fragile
piece (as discussed many times on the list) to be subjected under an even
heavier load - at least not without using a relay setup for the headlights
(such as Bus Depot's or Frank Condelli's product) to reduce said load.
--
Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
**********************************
On 4/3/06, River Clan <ri@riverclan.org> wrote:
>
> Living in Oregon, where it is often dark and rainy... we drive with
> our lights on almost all the time.
>
> Is there an easy mod to make the running lights turn off with the
> ignition? I have left the lights on and walked away from the bus at
> least 20 times now!
>
> I am imagining something really easy like a jumper on the back of the
> fuseblock or something?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Ri
>