Cant work this one out - weird lights/blower/ starting problem Help !!

Well I had an issue with my main beam going off which I thought was resolved with the replacement switch, now it has turned into a real nightmare I changed both stalks (indicator and washer) cleaned all terminals on the fuse box, all the earths then saw that when i put the headlights on and turned the dimmer rheostat all the way to the left everything worked - heater wipers blower and the fuel pump relay kicked in and it started, if you move the rheostat wheel it all goes off— replaced the light switch and for a short while all was good
Now its back to the same-headlights off = no blower, no wipers no start– put lights on wheel to the left and it all comes on (except fuel pump relay now !!!) I did notice the winding on the rheostat start to glow so switched it off. 92 GTI Sportline cabriolet. Anyone any thoughts as I really am stumped….please

sounds like ignition switch to me, check the wiring from it though for bodgery.

to bypass it jump a loop of thickish wire from the red to the black/yellow and your lights, blowers, wipers etc should all turn on. red to black and ignition should turn on, and red to red/black briefly to crank the engine

Thank you, at least I have a starting point . I will get on it at the weekend. if it is the switch is there an easy way of getting that out as I don't have a pulling tool for the collar ? or is there a hire tool equivalent?. In a way I hope it is the switch however I had a cobra alarm "professionally" removed a couple of months back as he suspected  that may be causing a problem so I am guessing there are probably a few wire ends in there that will confuse the issue

if you get a thin screwdriver and bend the end you can just get to the screw on the switch, bit fiddly. alternatively if you undo the allen bolt on the ign housing and remove the bolt holding the column to the UJ you can pull the column and lock housing out together and attack it on the bench  the column will only fit into the UJ 1 way if you're worried about alignment issues as it has a missing tooth on the spline

Thanks again, looks like a busy weekend ahead

Finally cracked it new ignition switch and light switch fitted, jobs a goodun. mini bearing puller from Ebay made short work of the steering column collar.Even changed the clock bulbs for new ones whilst everything was out- well chuffed.Thanks again