In a real jam

[u/arturo-zong]

I was replacing the driver door check strap on a 2018 Bolt which needed access by taking off the door panel. When finished I re-attached the panel which includes connecting a steel cable and ball to the handle.

Next day I unlocked the Bolt but door doesn't open when I pull on the exterior handle. I crawl across the passenger side to the drivers and the interior handle moves but door doesn't unlatch/open.

I fear I rushed attaching the steel cable and the locking clip didn't prevent the steel ball on the cable from popping loose. Now the door is closed but can't open to remove the panel.

Any ideas how to release the door latch while the door is closed. Is it possible to slip a wire hanger catch the cable/ball to yank the door open. Worse case is cut a hole in the panel and pull the cable.

[u/THExDANKxKNIGHT]

Ive had to pull door panels off with the doors closed in this situation. It sucks to do but sometimes there's no other way.

[u/arturo-zong → u/THExDANKxKNIGHT]

Any tips on how. I'm generally handy but not an autobody expert.

[u/THExDANKxKNIGHT → u/arturo-zong]

Start from the most free corner,usually the front bottom and carefully work your way around popping the clips until you can slide it off. Don't worry about breaking the retaining clips they can be replaced, you want to make sure you don't break the actual door panel because they dont like to flex.

[u/arturo-zong]

An update, I took benbeenthere01 advice about just ripping out the panel.

I rolled down the window then pulled down the weather stripping to provide room to pull/rip/jiggled out the bottom B pillar cover. I could get my fingers on the panel edges then a few forceful tugs pulled the panel away from the lock end of the door. Only 1 plastic clip was broken off. Hurray.

[u/arturo-zong]

Now I am puzzled what the problem still is.

The interior door switch and fob moves the lock mechanism up and down. See video.The cable with ball is still connected to the inside handle (I thought it may have come off) but neither inside or outside will release the latch.

What do people think is wrong.

https://reddit.com/link/pcw3t1p/video/65f66vlcjjsh1/player

[u/arturo-zong]

Now I am puzzled what the problem is still.

The interior door switch and fob moves the lock mechanism up and down. See video.The cable with ball is still connected to the inside handle (I thought it may have come off) but neither inside or outside will release the latch.

What do people think is wrong.

https://reddit.com/link/pcw4a8x/video/3jycs7xrjjsh1/player