I have a 1997 Saturn SW2 Wagon with 101,000 miles. In the last couple of weeks it has become very hard to shift the automatic transmission gear shift from Park to Reverse or Park to Drive. A repair shop has told me that the subframe is completely rusted through and that the parts above it have dropped into the frame. What is causing the shift to be hard to move?

SOURCE: 1999 Volvo S80 stuck in park

see my friend easy fix,the problem you are having is a wire problem that locks or unlocks the shifter from the park potition and also unlocks the key from the ignition switch is just getting stuck inside the ignition switch, so more likely needs lubrication you can do it yourself or have a machanic do it
for you,maybe replace it with a new one( wich i dont think is nesesary) take it out clean it, put new grease and it should be good to go, good luck.This wire is conected to the ignition switch, on the right side and can be pulled out with your hand.

SOURCE: can not get gear shift into park

your shifter linkage is mis alligned. could have hit it while 4 bying? anyway, look up the info for this procedure or buy the book on it at the parts store. have a partner sit in the car while you adjust to let you know when it is in place. easy fix

SOURCE: I have a 2001 Volvo S60 with Automatic

When was the last time you had a trans flush ? Sounds like you could use one. Trans fluid breaks down and doesnt work as well as i did when it was new. There are also sensors that tell it when to change gears could also be a sensor. I would start with a trans flush if it were my car. always try the least expensive first. then if u still have the problem look into calling a trusted transservice and ask them if the have any experiance in Volvo trans. if not fluid my bet is on a sensor in the transmission. Good luck and hope this helps ya.

SOURCE: rusted subframe

You may need to get rid of it. If the frame is rusted, it's only going to get worse. If the motor mount is not sitting just right, it will only get worse too. I would either sell it as is or have a welder to look at it to see if it's repairable.

SOURCE: MY MOM OWNS A 2001 SATURN SW2 WAGON THATS BEEN

You need to completely check the engine over (from top and bottom) for any signs of leaks. Even a drop a minute can quickly drain the system and becomes much faster when under pressure. Check electric cooling fan(s) to make sure at least one is coming on when engine becomes hot (just before overheat) Fan should also be on with A/C use at all times.
Make sure nothing is stuck in front of the radiator (plastic bags etc) and that there is no debris built up between radiator and A/C condenser.Make sure that when you re-filled the system you did so with the heater on high so air in system was allowed to purge. Any persistent white smoke at tailpipe may be from a bad cylinder head gasket and will require professional diagnosis and repair.