Shifter will not move, car will not start

[iceman2020]

I have a 2006 Saturn View
For the last few weeks about one third of the time
I try to start the car, it will not start. And with the key in
the shifter will not move from park. So far I have tried
moving things a bit and always after a few minutes the
shifter will move into neutral and it will start. Do you
know what is causing this and how to fix the problem?
Also, how urgent is the issue? I do not want to find myself
in a situation where it will not start and I have to be towed
Thank you for any help

[Vue6]

...It's possible the shifter cable is getting seized. and not allowing the shifter to move properly. That would also not let it start if it is not in park all the way. I would say try a new cable ,hope that helps, just my .02, DC

[ArtVandelay]

Sounds like you are having a problem with the Passlock security system. You should be seeing a warning light (looks like a car with a padlock next to it). If you aren't seeing it - maybe the warning light is burned out?

The first thing you might try is getting a new key made. I had a 2004 Vue for 12 years / 140,000 miles . The only problem I had with it was binding ignition lock cylinder (key would get where it was hard to turn). To fix it I had to have a new set of keys roughly every 30,000 miles until at 100,000 miles I replaced the whole cylinder/lock assembly. Worked great for the rest of the time I had that Vue.

There's a ton of posts on this forum about Passlock - how it works, problems, how to bypass, etc.

[2NDSOUT]

Aside from doing some research on the Passlock system- I would also throw this out there:

You mentioned in your post- that putting your Vue into Neutral will get the vehicle to start.

Granted- most of my wrenching experience was on my S-Series cars; I will throw this out there:

When I owned my 94 SC1- I had an issue sometimes with the car starting- and eventually came to discover that my Neutral Safety Switch was bad. I could only start the car, with it in Neutral. Once I got the switch replaced, the car ran normally and started normally again.

I would check the Neutral Safety Switch on your Vue, and see if that- possibly in conjunction with your Passlock system- maybe these combined, are giving you issues.

Just my thoughts.