The ignition switch has two sets of contacts, actually 4 but two that close
when the ignition is on. There is the contact for the ignition circuit which
needs to close when the ignition is switched on and also while the starter
is engaged. If the engine starts and shuts off this contact is working. The
other contact of importance is the accessory or load reduction contact. This
should be closed when the ignition is on, (run) but off when the ignition is
off and also while the starter is used. This contact provides power for the
head lights and other items like the wipers. It also operates the load
reduction relay which provides power for the heater fans and so forth.  It
is easy to get to the switch by removing that cover under the steering
column. The other wire is for the key left in the ignition warning.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Aaron Robinson
Sent: Friday, January 8, 2016 1:00 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Electrical issues

Hi All.

Another month and another issue. Hopefully this is a simple one.

I'm having some electrical issues that are sometimes draining the battery on
our '91 carat. It is showing some symptoms aside from the dead battery. I
can turn the ignition off, the van shuts down, and everything appears fine.
But I can turn on the wipers, the headlights will go fully on (not just the
marker lights), and the lights in the electric windows stay on, the electric
windows work. It almost seems that the ignition is staying on. Same even
with the keys are fully removed.

Has anyone ever seen experienced this? Could it be as simple as an ignition
switch?

Thanks!
Aaron '91 carat