It worked fine yesterday,..locked it today,..it won't open now,..i ripped off the door panel in anger and can't figure out how to get the door open. Anyone have any suggestions to this problem???

 

so i take it that when you pull the door handle from the outside it feels like the handle is locked.
Does it open using the handle on the inside

If it doesnt open from the inside - means something is buggered in the lock mechanism causing it to not unlock, try unlocking with the key, with the button inside and manually by pushing the **** on the door on the inside. if none of this works again problem is with the locking mechanism somewhere.

If it does open from the inside - and your door is unlocked means something is messed up with the exterior door handle, disconnected rod possibly.

 

It actually wont open with either handle (inside or outside),..and it doesn't help unlocking with the key or manually unlocking from inside. Is there a way to pop the door open so I can investigate the problem easier?

 

sounds like a problem with the lock - so long as you dont feel any resistance on the door handles when you pull them, like you normally would when opening the door unlocked.

Now to get inside there you need to take the door panel off, which, is easier with the door open...........there are two things that could be the problem.

lock is stuck in lock
door release is broken

now if the door is stuck in lock its as simple as fishing in the window to find the lock rod and pulling it to unlock it (this can be a PITA) if thats doesnt open you might have to try to pull the rod inside that opens the door...if you cant get this you have two options

1) try to get in there with the door closed
2) call a tow truck to fish those rods for you

the first one would probably be best if you can manage it.
i know on my 2000 theres a bolt under the inside door handle, this one needs to be removed. and you need to take off the screw around the interior door panel shroud then from the bottom of the door panel you need to pull the panel,(there all push and snap fittings). after you get this you will need to disconnect the window switches. then you lift the panel up (as it slides down on the window sill) and then remove it. you shold be able to see around in there enough to tell if any of the rods are disconected and disfunctional.
If all rods are in place and working you might have to replace the actual latch on the door.