Auto body repair & detailing: 1997 Chevy Sliverado Door, screw drivers, chevy silverado

Question
I have a 1997 Chevy Silverado extended cab pickup.   It’s been babied most of its life.  This noon, I was going to go home for lunch.  I went to unlock the drivers side door with the key… the door unlocked, but wouldn’t open.   I was able to gain access to the cab from the passenger side and tried opening the door from the inside.   Again, no luck.  The power locking mechanism moves the lock back and forth… as does the key in the outside of the door but the door won’t unlatch.  While I was driving home, it sounded as if something was loose within the door.    Once I got home, I did some exploratory surgery on the passenger door (since I was able to work on it while it was open).   I pulled the light off the passenger door, and I removed the power window/lock panel and peered inside.   It looks as if the pickup doors have the interior panel mounted to the interior steel cover on the inside of the doors.    I’m thinking that I should be able to gently start on a corner (after removing any visible screws) and pull the interior panel off the door working my way around to gain access.

I have two questions (any would be grateful for any other advice you may be able to provide.)  First… is there a way to unlatch a closed door without digging deep into the door?    Second… do you have any tips for removing the door panels when the door is locked shut?  I’m planning on looking for screws on the passenger door since I can open and inspect it easier.  I know tearing a door apart isn’t too fun when the door can be opened… Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Mark in SD


Answer
Sounds like you have a bad latch assy. or the lock rods came loose. There is no easy way to get a door pad off with the door closed. Just inspect the other door and make the best of it and yes work your way around the trim panel prying with a clip tool or a couple of flat screw drivers. Once you get in it will not be easy but you must look with a flashlight and see what rod dose what and find out which one UN-latches the door and pry it with a screwdriver a little to make it work. Try spraying the latch assy with penetrating spray. There is no easy way to open the door with out taking off the door pad. Good luck!!
Thank you for the question!
Ken