In all the years and all the Volvos I've ever owned, I never had this problem.
The rear right door knob is stuck in the locked position. I cannot pry out the inside trim panel since the door is closed. I thought of trying to remove the plastic knob and attempting to force it open with a pair of pliers, but I fear there will be damage.

Any ideas or tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

Well, the good news is that I was able to pry out part of the inside panel.
I then disconnected the power door motor, which allowed me to unlock the door.
I opened up the motor, released the plastic gear, and reconnected.
All's well now.

Thanks for all the advise.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

If it is the knob that is stuck you could try removing/unscrewing the knob then grab the "post" with a set of pliers and pull straight up.If the door unlocks then it is time to remove the door panel and lube eveything including the door lock motor.You can remove a few screws from the door motor to open it and lube what is inside.Good luck.If the pliers don't work then try to remove the panel in place.I would try the pliers first.Don't forget to lube the window mechanism also.

Sounds like a lack of lubrication. Daveshan has a good overview of what to do for the insides of the door -

http://volvo2.homestead.com/elecdoor.html and
http://volvo2.homestead.com/240manwin.html

A few things -

1. You can remove the door trim even with the door shut. It takes some effort, though. Beyond the normal door-related bits you remove when taking the door panel off, remove the seat cushion, remove the door flex-trim, and remove the plastic sill at the bottom. You can then either start to pop some of the fasteners or pull the top of the door panel toward you, bending the door lock arm in the process (it's okay, it'll bend back). With additional wiggling and popping off the rest of the fasteners, you'll be able to get at the door mechanisms in full.

2. You should be able to pop the interior trim around the door handle off and fit a hand or longer tool down there to add a bit of leverage while moving the door handle back to it's 'locked and upright position' (sorry, been flying lately).

Good luck,
Zach

Had a similar problem on my 86 model, you could not get the drivers side door to unlock. Took it down to my car pro who popped the bottom trim off the outside of the window, then used some wedges to widen the space between the window and the door. He was able to reach in and pop the lock up with what I call a Slim Jim. He had a kit with all these tools and it just took a couple of minutes. Makes you realize just how easy it is for someone who knows what they are doing to get in a car.

After I got Inga home, removed the interior cover from the door. Found that time, lack of lubrication, and water slipping past that split cracked wiper trim at the bottom of the window had let things get a bit corroded and gummed up. Cleaning an then lubing up the entire assembly with some white lithium grease solved the binding issue. Replacing all the bottom window trim solved the leak issues. Have since lubed up all the locks and not had any trouble with it since. Recently added some noise reducing foam to the drivers and passengers side front doors and re-lubed the lock. No signs of any leaks at least two years after the trim was replaced.

Good Luck,

Paul