In a message dated 12/19/99 7:51:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
southeastvw@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< You can press the headlight dimmer switch and the brights will
 come on, but will not stay on unless you constant holding the switch. As you
 are holding the switch(sometimes) the wipers will work. >>

Try jiggling the key in the ignition switch while tinkering.  The ignition
switch could be your problem.  These have come up a lot on the list lately.
Easch time, they have had some similar and some very unique symptoms.  Best
of luck.

Stefan