I think the ignition trim ring you mention is the antenna for the SKREEM key transponder reader, so if you didn't have that plugged in, the car would definitely not start, and probably not crank. So now it sounds like it something in your transmission. I would suggest checking the plug that goes into the transmission - see if it's leaking, loose, or damaged. Fortunately, I haven't had any transmission problems, so I'm not really versed in transmission problems. Maybe search the forum for transmission problems. Good Luck.
-Jerry