My headlights will not stay on i have to hold the lever for the brights in order to have any lights on what could be the problem??

are you sure you supposed to pull lever not push to turn them on, just making sure as in some cars you can just blink pulling lever and you turns them on by pushing

Short in multifunction switch or wiring through the column .

Problem should be in the multifunction turn signal assymbly. It controls the headlights, and flasher.

Try turning the headlight control knob clockwise so that the arrow is pointing up. You may only have it in daytime lights mode and not actually in headlight mode.

I think that many 1990s and even some 1980s GM vehicles with seemingly 4 headlight systems actually use only 2 at a time.

My 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, for instance, had 2 high beams that went on independently of the 2 low beam lights when switched with the turn signal lever.

In the 1970s the GM vehicles had 4 headlight systems where all 4 headlights would go on, but they used sealed beams rather than the capsule lights that are used nowadays.

For instance, our 1976 Cadillac Seville has a 4 headlight system that lights up 4 headlights on the high beam mode.

Good luck on seeing at night with the current set up.

Your turn signal/headlight multifunction switch has failed.

To replace it, remove the four screws from the bottom of the steering column cover, split the cover apart.
Unplug the one connector out of the bottom of the headlight switch, then depress the two levers, on top and bottom of the switch housing, and slide the switch out.
Install in reverse order.

your problem is normal. I see this problem weekly. you need to replace the front electronic module located at the front of the underhood fuse box/relay center. it has four torx screws that have to come off and just pull module forward then plug new one in and tighten the screws. good luck

It appears the switch lever itself is broken. When you pull back and release the lever, there should be a clicking sound.

Sounds like your switch is bad (i.e. turn signal / healight dimmer / winshield lever switch) inside the steering column. Replace as necessary.

I had the same problem. The solution is simple; the ignition switch needs to be replaced. This is an easy do-it-yourself project. Here are instructions:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2532481
Check for a switch on ebay, they are about $15. After 10 years they wear out.