if you pull the clamshell off the column, you will see a immobilizer sensor ring around the key..

It very well could be an issue with the immobilizer. But i think in 19 out of 20 examples that I have read, the IMMO light flashes.
is that happening?

the only other things i can thing of..

power distribution. There have been some melted fuse blocks in the past perhaps your not getting power through traditional means.
Even possibly the ceramic fusible link behind the drivers headlight on the frame rail? Maybe turning on the door with is providing a ground for your issue.