I walked by the 2001 XJ and could read the time on the dash-installed radio. For some strange reason, I did not investigate my findings further.The next day we went to start the vehicle and the battery was dead. The ignition key was not in the steering column, but had been left inside the house the entire time the vehicle had been parked. The a/c blower had been set on a lower speed and had discharged the battery. Why and how the key can be removed from the ignition switch while in the "on" position is a mystery to me!

 

Maybe worn tumblers in the key switch. Mine are so worn the key has fell out while driving bumpy roads! I can put ghe key in, turn it oast lock, then operated it as if the key was still in the slot. The only reason I haven't fixed it is because these are original 1987 keys, and I think that is cool.

 

Yep, worn lock cylinder or key or combo of both. I had the same issue a while back. Not only could I take the key out, but it would also fall out while driving. While repairing my loose tilt wheel, I broke the tabs off the lock cylinder. Replaced it with a new one (with new key). Problem solved.

In my case, the ignition and door keys are different so my door locks were not affected.