My first thought was that the anti-theft system was acting up, and it sounds like the dealership had the same thought when they checked the BCM, which controls the anti-theft system, but after looking at the information, I suspect a poor power or ground connection.
The action of the gauges and warning lights indicate either a loss of communications between the instrument cluster and other computers or a poor power or ground connection.
The other symptom, the drag on the engine or transmission could actually be the transmission is starting in a higher gear from a stop rather than first gear.
If the transmission loses power or ground connections, then it defaults to starting in a higher gear, so this would confirm my suspicions. The big problem is finding where the poor ground or power connections are located.
Because you have a problem with the starter motor not cranking the engine first thing in the morning, I suspect the problem is likely between the engine and the battery. It is usually loose or corroded ground connections that cause the most problems and cold or damp conditions make it worse.
Clean and tighten all ground connections at the battery, body and engine. You may also want to run a separate ground wire from the engine to the battery. I suspect this will correct your vehicle problems.
I have seen several engines where one of the lifters becomes stuck or gummy and does not open the valves properly on these engines. Regular oil and filter changes and maintaining the crankcase ventilation system will help prevent these problems but once they occur, it is more difficult. You can try running an after-market oil additive designed to clean gum deposits for a few hundred kilometres and then change oil a couple times in the next couple thousand kilometres in an attempt to try and clean the internal parts of the lifters and cylinder deactivation system.
If that doesn’t work, the next solution is to replace the lifter. It is possible that the solenoid that controls the lifter is sticking so have this checked with a scan tool before replacing the lifter.
Some mechanics will change all the lifters but they are quite expensive, so others will change only the ones they think are faulty.
Consider the cost of labour vs. the cost of the lifters when deciding to change just one or all of the lifters.
