It's really difficult to diagnose a problem with such a brief descripion, but I'll do my best. First, a few things. I don't understand why you're having trouble putting it in N. You should already be in P or N in order to start the engine. When you turn the key and the lights dim and nothing happens, it's an indication that the battery is taking the power away from light illumination and applying to the starter (hopefully). If there is still not enough power then .... no start. All symptoms point to a weak battery. If the battery is good, the next possibility is a gigantic voltage drop from a resistance caused by corroded contacts. (Doesn't happen very often but it does happen) We'll assume the contacts are good. I'm not sure what you did with a screwdriver to turn the starter, but I'll assume you jumped the contacts in order to engage the solenoid. Turn the ignition on and have someone put it in P or N with their foot on the brake and engage the solenoid. If nothing happens, then I'm pretty sure you have either a bad starter (causing a voltage drop) or a bad battery. If it starts, then it takes me in another direction. When you turn the ignition the signal goes through another switch connected to the shifter. LR calls it a Start Inhibitor Switch. This is a switch that won't allow the starter to engage unless you're in P or N. If your shifter is out of position try putting your foot on the brake, turn the ignition and wiggle the shifter. Sometimes this works. You mentioned not being able to move the shifter. If there's a problem with the shifting linkage it may be inhibiting the SIS to close the loop. Hope this helps.
