Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 16:25:25 -0700
Reply-To: Bob Stevens <mtbikerbob@MSN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bob Stevens <mtbikerbob@MSN.COM>
Subject: Re: '80 Westy: My headlights stopped working
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Phil: I've had that problem twice in th elast 18 months. Recently found out
from advice from this list, which turned out to be true, that it was a
combination of the ignition switch and my headlight switch. Light Switch: I
replaced it and that did not fix the lights out problem. I took the switch
out and squirted it with alcohol to anti-oxidate the contacts and that was
of some minimal help.
Ignition switch: I have not replaced that but have started using just one
key in the ignition to avoid loading it with the weight of a bunch of keys
and that has made much difference. My lights have worked fine since but this
will likely change as the ign. switch continues to wear.
Check this out Phil: when your headlights won't work, will the wipers work?
Mine would only work when I was holding back on the high-beam switch and
when I let it go the wipers stopped. The ignition switch has phases or stops
in it, between off and start, and this (wiper/headlights) seems to be a
symptom of the light problem originating in the ign. switch. Ign switches
are inexpensive and you can buy one for $10.00 or so and wire it in and
start up your VW without installing it, just to see if this resolves the
light problerm. The plastic panels over and under the steering column are
held on by a couple screws on the bottom panel, to access the ign switch.
Hope this is of some assistance.
Bob Stevens
'91 Westy
>From: phil hans <hansph_99@YAHOO.COM>
>Reply-To: phil hans <hansph_99@YAHOO.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: '80 Westy: My headlights stopped working
>Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 14:46:08 -0800
>
>Hi folks,
>
>My headlights stopped working. For some time, they
>seems to be coming on a little late. That is, I would
>turn the lights on, and then they would come on 2
>seconds later. Then once a few weeks ago, I thought I
>noticed them fading slightly when driving. I thought
>it was an illusion, until I really focused on them,
>and it was really happening.
>
>Then the other day, they wouldn't come on at all. The
>lights still work when I hold the highbeam switch on
>(I'm talking about the flasher switch on the left of
>the steering wheel) If I manually hold the lever up,
>the high beams do work. The parking lights work fine.
>
>Anyone have any insight into this problem which is
>sure to steal some time from my life trying to figure
>it out?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Phil Hanson
>1980 Westfalia
>
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