1997 buick lesabre trunk latch won't close with or without key

can you use the key and try turning the latch

If it has the electric trunk release, the button could be in the glove box.
Otherwise you may have to remove the back seat to gain entry to the trunk.

LOOK FOR A SMALL FLAT ROD THAT COMES THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE TRUNK LOCK YOU SOULD BE ABLE TO TURN THAT WITH A PLIERS. YOU'LL NEED TO TURN IT SO IT IS STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN AND IT SHOULD LATCH

yes that could be the problem. try this putt your key in to the lock and turn it to unlock it , check to see if latch is open ,while still holding the key in the unlock position close the trunk and relock it with the key while pushing down on the hood at the same time. replace the lock when you can .there is no quick fix for this unless u use a bungee cord for it .

if you can remove inner panel and you will see a rod connecting to the lock ..lift this and trunk will open ,,,

You probably have keyless entry feature with this car (can open using key fob). First check the latch mechanism of the trunk, it should be open in the middle like a claw. If it looks like the claw part is closed forming a circle in the middle, then take a screwdriver that will fit in the hole, apply outward pressure and hit the trunk button, or use the key. Another issue maybe the alignment of the latch to the striker (the metal loop in the trunk the claw attaches to). Grasp the striker and make sure it doesn't move, if it does the attaching bolts are loose. If they are loose look at where it bolts, you should see a slight outline of where it used to be. Hold in place and tighten the bolts, try to close trunk. There are also attaching bolts holding the latch to the turnk, which maybe loose, repeat same as striker. If all else fails the latch assembly is at fault, and maybe the locking cam isn't working, replace latch assembly.

check in glove box for a trunk button in there,or beside the driver side door down by the seat,dont have a trunk button the a dealer my can make u a key or a lock smith

either the latch is broken, repair parts will be needed, or the catch loosened and needs adjusting. does the trunk close with a motor? have you tried unlocking the trunk? maybe the latch is in the locked position or it's stuck in the latch position. if stuck, turn the key to unlock and pry with a screwdriver

is it a electronic opener with a automatic pull down feature? if so the pull down switch is at fault

not entirely sure about your buick, but I have a 2000 pontiac that has a switch just inside the glovebox that deactivates the trunk switch. that, together with locking the glovebox would prevent someone with jsut the valet key from gaining access to the trunk area.