Headlights on my '97 & '99 can come on at all times, no key needed. My 2006 XKR must have ignition switched on before brights & dims illuminate. Owner's Manual indicates they should come on even without key.

Any other late model XK8s or XKRs work only with key on?

I'm doing some detective work to track down a "no crank" problem, and I thought I'd try programming key FOB as another test. I first discovered the brights did not come on without the key in run position. Next disappointment came when it failed to chirp attempting to connect with remote, but that could be because I had to roll the key two clicks to run.

The schematic shows the Body Processing Module is hardwired (not on network) to the stalk switches awaiting instructions and then the BPM directly actuates the brights relay according to its instructions which could be programmed either way.

 

I believe my '03 cheapo base model conv headlights will work any time. When I forget to turn them off I get a chime warning that I left them on. There is an auto setting I seldom use. TM

 

I just walked over to the 2005 XKR Coupe and turned the Light Switch to the First Click and the Parking Lights, Corner Lights and the Tail Lights all came on! I continued clicking the Stalk to the next Click and there was no change. In order to turn on the Head Lights, I have to turn-on the ignition...

Hope this helps!

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch

 

Thank you very much, Billy! That's the exact info I need as it indicates my BPM is not malfunctioning in the headlights function. It was driving me nuts why the BPM wasn't kicking them on without key as it is hot at all times so that function is controlled by its program. The BCM sitting next to me this very moment in pieces. .You have good taste in cars. My XKR is an "Ebony/Ivory" too, and it was originally from TX, so maybe they're from the same cat breeder.
My No Crank investigation continues.