But would a bad starter or solenoid prevent the shifter from moving? I'll check that and connections when we get it home late today.

By 'key' do you mean the remote or the metal key in the fobs? Tried many 'lock and unlock' with by remote w/o success, I'll try w/ the metal key before we load it.

What seems odd is that if the key wasn't communicating with the computer then why would the column unlock, dash lights come on, etc.? Could both keys only be 'half communicating' so the ign is on but the gearshift is locked and the starter will not engage?