Weird Headlight Issue

[gregaz]

1983.5 Vanagon Westfalia 1.9L WBX

I have a weird headlight issue. The short of it (no pun intended) is that the headlights don't come on with the light switch.

The long of it -

When I turn on the engine, and I flip the switch all the way (two clicks to the left), the orange running lights in the front come on. The rear tail lights come on. The headlights DO NOT come on. When I flip the brights stalk, the brights flash, but DO NOT stay on in any position (headlights on or headlights off).

Any ideas? Thank you in advance!

[dhaavers]

Seems reasonable to suspect the headlight switch, but first check grounds.

Do you have relays installed?

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[kamzcab86]

Headlight switch, ignition switch, and/or load reduction relay.

With the ignition switch, it could be a faulty load reduction (aka "X") circuit. Test for continuity between terminals 30 and X.

If you jumper the load redux relay and the lights work, relay is most likely shot.
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[jmranger]

Given that you can flash your headlights, we know that a large part of the high beam circuit is operational: fuses, relay (if installed), bulbs (obviously) and grounds are OK.

The load reduction relay isn't required for the headlights to work.

A faulty ignition switch (its X-circuit, specifically) would disable the headlights, but also the wipers, fresh air fan and rear defrost. Are these working? It they are, the main suspect is the headlight switch.

[gregaz]

Update - it was the headlight switch. Specifically, the connection. I took the cluster off, pulled the switch and noticed that the connection to the harness was a little loose. I pressed them together and Presto! everything is working.

Thanks for all the help, volks!