My 2001 V70 wagan has a front driver's side door handle which is not functioning. I cannot open the door from either the outside or from the inside. The lock mechanism contines to function. There is no way that I can see to remove the inside panel of the door without the door being open. Is there some trick to this? I don't want to cut the panel off. Any thoughts would be helpful.

 

Sorry but really no way to get it off without damaging it.
Maybe the rod for the outer fell off and the inner cable fell off or the door lock went bad.

 

Afraid that might be the case. Is there a strategic location I can cut into, or does the whole panel have to be scrapped?

 

Usually the panel gets trashed.
But you might be able to work the rubber seals loose and be able to remove the clips and the 2 screws and work the panel out with minimal damage.