This article is from the VW Technical FAQ, by with numerous contributions by Jan Vandenbrande others.
A: Most VWs built between 79-92 allow you to switch on the switched
power (circuit 15) allowing your fan, lights, power windows, etc
to work by doing the following:
Pull back on the high beam lever all the way (and hold it there).
The ignition "ON" postion should be activated while you are
pulling back on the lever. If not, release the lever and pull back
on it again. On some VW's the instrument warning lights come on,
some others don't.
However, a word of warning, you are using a rogue path and you can
easily burn out switches.
Tip: [From Ed Wodzienski]
A dirty load reduction relay found on a lot of VW's can cause
delayed (and NO) starting. Instead of replacing it (although its not
too expensive), I opened it up and scraped the relay contacts.
My car now starts in an instant and has been for close to three
weeks. Not one single delayed start....
 
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