Seems to me the way to start is, using a 12volt test light, check for power
going in, at the light switch.
if it's not there, work on that. Should be able to see pretty easily in the
Bentley manual where it comes from........
or if you just 'had to' make your own, good, source for power for the light
switch, you could do that, not that I'm recommending that especially.

then check for power coming out of the light switch for hi beams and low
beams, using the test light.
Just keep going like that, use the test light to look for the presence of
power where it belongs.

also.........be SURE to always consider the ground side of the circuit.
if power gets to the headlights, but the headlight grounds are not
working..............the lights won't work.
there's a multi-prong grounding connection point above the fuse box  and a
bit 'back in there' - kinda hard to access,
The headlights depend on getting a ground connection there.
I usually change them from push-on spade connectors to eye terminal and
screw.

The head lights only work with the key on of course.  So be sure you have
the key on when looking for headlight voltage.
The parking and tail lights work without the key being on.
Scott
turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Luke Bakken" <luke.bakken@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2008 8:37 PM
Subject: Re: The drama continues -> Both low beams burnt out at same time?

>> I pulled the fuses one at a time to see what circuit the problem may
>> be on, but no luck. Being a Vanagon newbie, I'm not really familiar
>> with what circuits are live without the ignition in the 'on' position
>> - I figure it's the parking lights, radio (on my van) and other
>> things. I plan on studying the diagrams in my Bentley, but I'm hoping
>> other people on this list (and archive searches) can help me narrow
>> this down.
>
> I have finally figured out what search terms to use - "slow battery
> drain".
>
> I don't want to repeat already asked questions to  the list!
>
> PS - has anyone been able to use the archive search at
> gerry.vanagon.com? My searches always time out.