Auto body repair & detailing: Door lock, thin steel rod, latch assembly

Question
The passenget door on my 1996 GMC truck is closed and locked but I cannot unlock it with the key or by using the inside door unlock/lock lever. What is the best way to approach unlocking the door if it is closed so that the door handle/lock can be rplaced?

Answer
You need professional help. About all I can tell you, is there is a part on the latch that has a weak spring, and the outside door handle rod has pushed it down. The little lever has a spring to push it back up, but now, it's stuck in the down position. You might be able to remove the outter window belt molding, put a block between the glass and body panel, and sneak a look in the door with a flash light. You need a fairly stout, thin steel rod with a crook on the end of it to fish the lever back up/ You should be able to see the outside door handle rod going up and down when you flip the handle. The part that's stuck down is the little arm the push rod goes into. Get that back up, and the door will open. If it all sounds a little greek, have a pro do it. Once the door is open, replace the latch assembly. Bill