Door latch is buggered!

So, I went outside to go to work this morning and my door handle was frozen stiff. The passenger side opened and I crawled through and pulled the lever and gave the door a bump with my shoulder. It opened but would not catch after that and keep the door closed again. It would just bounce back open.

I gave it a good slam and the door stayed closed alright. Now I can't get the door open with the interior OR exterior handle. So I'm thinking I have to pull the door panel and have a look.

I've searched the forum and found a post from 06 that covers it, I think.

I remove the 2 screwes under the door handle cup and the 1 screw under the door lever, then pop off the black plastic triangle that holds the little speaker. Here's my first question. Whats the trick there to keep from breaking the darn thing?

Second question. Will I be able to pull the panel out without having the door open?

1) Hi, I use one of these to free the studs but you may well have to be carfull round the bottom as you wont get to them so a long flat bar may be usefull, remember the small screw behind the small tweeter speaker.

2) If you calnt remove the panel take the drivers seat out, its only 4 hex bolts, fold the back of the seat forwards as far as it will go first so it gives you more room.

CAR DOOR CARD TRIM PANEL POPPER, UPHOLSTERY REMOVING LEVER | eBay

dougdotcom said:

1) Hi, I use one of these to free the studs but you may well have to be carfull round the bottom as you wont get to them so a long flat bar may be usefull, remember the small screw behind the small tweeter speaker.

2) If you calnt remove the panel take the drivers seat out, its only 4 hex bolts, fold the back of the seat forwards as far as it will go first so it gives you more room.

CAR DOOR CARD TRIM PANEL POPPER, UPHOLSTERY REMOVING LEVER | eBay

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Cheers mate! Got it sorted out.