Shifting from Park does not work unless I use the "Shift release"

Shift Lock Release
This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock release system.
If your vehicle has a dead battery and you need to
have your vehicle towed, there is a shift lock release
lever that will allow you to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P).
To access the shift lock release lever, do the following:
1. Press on the sides of the boot around the shift lever
to release the boot.
2. Lift up the boot on the shift lever and you will see an
orange lever.
3. Press the orange lever down and move the shift lever
out of PARK (P).
4. Snap the shift lever boot back in place.

Vehicle has shift lock system .won't let it move from park unless the driver has brake pedal pressed . Do the brake lights work ? Does your saturn have console shift or on the steering coulmn ? There is a electric solenoid that locks the gear shifter lever . could be bad , or wiring .

is it a linkage issue? if the shift lever is working and you can feel the detents, check your fluid make sure it is full and clean, if not you could have internal issues with the trans

Vehicles have a safety system that won't allow gear selector to be moved out of park unless brake pedal is pushed ! This what Buick calls there's
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control ! Depending on make of your vehicle it mite be called something else . But all vehicles have it.
The automatic transmission shift lock control system is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the ignition is ON. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
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The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid

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The automatic transmission shift lock control switch

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The brake to shift relay

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The rear integration module (RIM)

With the ignition in the ON position, battery positive voltage is supplied to the brake to shift relay coil. When the RIM energizes the brake to shift relay, the brake to shift relay switch contacts close suppling battery voltage to the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The circuit continues through the normally closed switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The permanently grounded solenoid is energized. This locks the shift linkage in the PARK position. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the contacts in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch open. This causes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid to release. This allows the shift lever to move from the PARK position.

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease the pressure on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you are still having a problem shifting, then have your vehicle serviced soon.

does it have a shift lock if so its normally dissengaged by pressing the brake pedal there should also be a release button on the shift lever or located under the consul there should be an acess hole if the switch on the brake pedal is faulty it will not allow u to shift out of park the shift lever can be the cause of the key not comming out if park possition is not selected properly

connection under shifting housing, broken??
there is a release button there as well will bypass the connection

The shift interlock does not allow the car to shift out of park unless the brake pedal is depressed.  Quick fix is with the car running to set the parking brake and turn the car to off and remover the key.  Put the key back in and turn one click to on.  Shift the car into neutral and you can start the car and go.  The repair for this is either the brake switch located on the brake pedal being replaced.  I had a broken wire leading to the switch that caused the problem.  It also can be a blown fuse.

There is a possibility there is a problem with the release bearing and also check the level of the oil transmission and the gear oil.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/ramy_d9e7ebea3891f482

This is a problem that occurs in many Honda's. Inside the shifter is a cable that is connected to the button to release the shift lock so you can shift into a gear. This cable become frayed and can eventually brake, which makes it hard to shift. The only solution is to replace the shifter either with a new OEM from Honda (very expensive) or get a good used one from your local recycle yard.