It was the lock actuator. It was jammed in the closed position, and only when disassembling it, i found the plastic to be shot in certain places. I switched it with a used one from a rear hatch. the parts are the same, but the connections had to be modified. once in place, it worked like magic.
--
'89 245 DL B230 Manual

I feel your pain. I haven't been in this situation myself (yet), but saved Bob's (B.C.) great write-up from almost three years ago in case I should need it.
http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=1231149

Good luck with it.
Erling.


--
My 240 Page

you don't say what model you're dealing with, so I'm assuming it is the 89 245 in your sig.

If things are out of adjustment for the door handle, the lock knob may not completely disengage enough to open the door, even though the door looks "unlocked". Gently pull the lock knob up a bit and try the door handle again.

Also, see Art's lovely pictorial guide to the maladies of the 240 door handle at http://cleanflametrap.com/doorHandle.html

john