It's likely that the headlight switch is bad.

  Years ago, mine fried internally from excessive current draw and exhibited
the same exact symptoms.  The 'flash-to-pass' feature built into the stalk
allows you to get home for the night by holding it the entire time (which
isn't easy!).
  Replace the switch and add better grounds close to the bulbs to help.  Add
relays to solve this common problem forever.

Mike B.

-----Original Message-----
From: John Rodgers
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 5:15 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Headlights Out

  New experience. Got in the van last night, turned on the headlights.
Nothing! Dash lights OK, driving lights OK, brake lights OK. No head
lights. No high beams, no low beams. BUT - if I hold the
turn-signal/bright/dimm stalk in the 'back" position - i.e - towards the
driver. ALL the headlights come on, but immediately go off when released.

This is a new event to me. I checked the big connector at the right of
the instrument cluster and it seems tight. Any one experienced this
before? Have any ideas where to start looking for the trouble?

Thanks,

John

--
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com