Not sure how many MS'ers are on here, but didn't think it would hurt to ask.
The electric lock works - it's plainly audible, but appearently the mechanical locking mechanism isn't unlocking. Either that or the handle itself isn't working right.
Whether it's locked or unlocked the release handle does the same amount of nothing.

So I guess it's a matter of pulling the panel off from the inside to get to the locking mechanism?
I don't see any screws, but there were two small plastic "snap locks/pins (?)" I removed.
I've given it a good pull or two and can't get anything to break loose. I'm afraid I'm going to break the panel.

Does anyone have ANY advice?

That's correct.


There are probably some screws in the inside latch mechanism like there are in the other doors. If all else, there may be a montero sport factory service manual on www.mitsubishilinks.com that you can download.
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I know you won't want to hear this but I'm pretty sure you can't pull the pannel without having the hatch open.

Edward

Is there a manual key lock? I'd cycle it hard both ways. May get lucky. Also make sure the door is shut all the way...

I've worked on it with the key and the power lock. There's been no change.

some searching at msonline indicates it WILL come off from the inside, but I think I'll have to remove part of the floor storage system to get the little retainer pins to start popping.

I don't mind some work for engine/drivetrain maintenance, but having to blow half a day to make a door work right really sucks.

The '95 would do something similar, but you could get the spray lube to it from the outside and it would usually work itself out. Not the case on this one.

You can't pull the floor unless the hatch is open. There are screws along the bottom edge that are covered by the hatch when it's closed.

Edward

Put the boy to be Sat night and went to work.
The rear main floor compartment was removed in a couple minutes. There are just four screws holding it to the floor.
I was even able to pull the door sill out from under the door after removing 6 screws. That gave me room to get my fingers under the door panel for some extra leverage, but I still couldn't get it to break free from the bottom.

I had to wedge my fingers between the door glass and the panel and pull from there. Eventually - just before I thought the plastic panel itself would surely have broken, the retainer clips broke loose. Several of them broke but there's a Mitsu dealer nearby so no biggie.

The panel couldn't be removed completely because there's ONE screw through the interior handle that comes up through the bottom, but I could pull the panel away enough to access the latch.

The problem was just a small piece of plastic that had fallen into the latch mechanism not allowing it to clear the hook. It was difficult to get out since I could only get to it with a long screwdriver, but it's good to go now.

Moral of the story is, it's no picnic, but it can be done. Definitely takes some strength. And I would go in assuming you'll break several panel retainers. It might be a good idea to order 10-15 to have on hand if you want to disassemble/reassemble the same day.