Friday related question - I have a 1981 Rabbit Diesel with the same problem
and I'm running out of ideas to fix it.  Same symptoms of no wipers/blower
motor/radio but everything will work if the high beam switch is held up.

When the problem happened to me, I looked at the X Relay and it was a bit
corroded so I replaced the X relay with no luck.  Then I saw this thread
and replaced the ignition switch.  No change.

Is there anything else to investigate?  I've looked under the dash and
don't see any disconnected or damaged wires.

Thanks,
Andrew

On Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 9:18 AM, Jim Johnston <inmytree1@gmail.com> wrote:

> Just to follow up for the archives....
>
> My issue was indeed the ignition switch...I had one on hand as I carry a
> new switch as a spare...took about an hour to replace...not too bad of a
> job....
>
> picture here...
>
>
> https://picasaweb.google.com/104110054373682507279/VanagonIgnitionSwitch#5927334803955106178
>
>
>
> Jimmy
> Wilmington, NC
>