2001 XJ8 VDP
Acts as if key is in ignition, when it is not.
Dash lights come on and off, key warning dings, wipers come on (when in on position).
I just now realized the only thing that was different when it started acting this way....and it is baffling....

Recently I did the TCS/ABS module repair which went very well.
During that process, I had performed a hard reset, as a process of elimination.
In the end it was the contact soldering reflow that remedied the codes.

Now, at the same time, I had the rear view mirror assembly removed, as I was in the process of reattaching it.

I reinstalled the rear view assembly while car was started and the first time I shut it off, it started acting weird.

I got out of the car, locked the door with the key (I don't have the fob, currently) and as I walked away the alarm began going off.
I returned, put the key in the ignition and turned it to shut of the alarm.

When I got out again, I noticed the instrument lights were on and CEL, as if the ingition system was energized, but we were late for a show so I thought I'd address it when we returned.

Later, (car was parked across the street from my friends pub) my friends told me that the lights came on, but were now off.
I got in, turned the key, instrument cluster illuminated but there was no start.
Thinking the battery was just dead, I had someone come give me a jump start, and let it sit for some time, to assure a good charge.
When I shut if off to see if it would start again, the alarm went off, instead of starting. Turning the key three times in the ignition did not reset the alarm.
I disconnected the negative terminal and placed it on the positive, to attempt another hard reset.
When I reconnected the battery the alarm continued to sound but, turning the key three times did reset it, and it started.
Again, I turned it off and tried to restart, nothing.
It was late so I decided to come back in the morning when I had tools.

Today when I returned the battery was stone dead.
I jumped the car off again and after going through a similar process as the night before, I got it to start and moved it to a better parking spot, to return later to pick it up.
When I shut it off, no start.....alarm going off....etc.
I disconnected the negative terminal, placed on positive, key in ignition, and left to return with another vehicle, again.
Same long process, a lot of alarm going off in a parking garage, etc etc.
Finally got started and on the way home, without shutting the car off at all, I stopped and got a new battery.
Installed new batter, started up no problem, no codes.

Then, while working on another car, I noticed the instrument cluster illuminating, and the wiper becoming active!!

I unhooked the batter, to deal with it later.

Now, a few hours later, I got a no start, illuminated instruments, dinging key alert.

Baffled....

SO, I unhooked the rear view mirror assembly........and I've shut if off and restarted several times with no issue at all.......


?????

 

Could the ignition cylinder be messed up thinking the key is in it? Possibly replacing the ignition cylinder? Just a random guess.
Or possibly a lead wire somewhere has shorted or isn't disengaging properly?
Possibly a faulty ground?

 

There is a little flap on the ignition barrel that has to close when you pull the key out. Spray some electrical cleaner in there an run the key in and out a few times. Lubricate with graphite, silicon oil or teflon spray.

 

That's absolutely what I thought, and then I realized the only thing that changed since it was perfect, was that re-connection.
It's baffling.
I should also add that I went through and cleaned ALL the accessible grounds that are known trouble makers.

I am looking at schematics to see if a short in the rv assembly could ANY way effect that.

That was the first thing I tried last night, to no avail.

What is so odd is that it is fine now, with RV disconnected. But it was also fine before, when it was just dangling.......

 

Disconnect the battery plug it back in, reconnect battery? Check fuses/relays?

I am no electrical expert.

 

Yep, did that and more.... :/

Hard reset, multiple tries on disconnect.....
I just plugged the RV assy back in......same problem........
There's definitely some sort of short in there but it's baffling at the moment.
I'm going to take it apart again, and then start digging into schematics if the short isn't apparent.

Damn sure am not buying a $400 unit, I'll do without the automatic functions associated with it!!