Can't get the rear door open
 

Hi folks. I have a 1997 SL2 with almost 191K on it and have had it since it was new. Anyway, something in the back door (drivers side) has broken and I can not open the door from the outside or inside.
Any ideas how to get the door open so I can take it apart and fix what's wrong.

Thanks!!

Take what I believe is 1 screw out of two handle cup. Slide that gently forward?? To unhook it from the inner door panel.

When you gently pull inwards on lever plus the cup, there should be two rods connected to it. It is possible that one has popped out where the plastic clip that holds it in place has broken.

Let us know what you find.

Jaws of life work too

I think I understand what you're suggesting. I'll give that try and let you know.

I would ordinarily say to remove the entire inner door panel, but most of the early Saturn S car doors have at least one fastener on the same at face of the door as the latch. And the outer door skin is usually connected by torx screws that go through the metal along the bottom of the door and up the front edge

Did you check and make sure the child lock isn't engaged first? Of course, that wouldn't explain it not opening from the outside. I suspect a broken linkage clip from the handle to the latch mechanism. For that, you HAVE to get that door panel off. If you can remove the back seat and take it out from the other back door, you should be able to access the screws derf is referring to.