Thanks for the replies. I guess the actual lock or release mechanism is stuck because I am manually moving it by hand from the inside behind the panel as far as it will travel and the door will not open.



Clip of the lock moving:
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4227/img0304.mp4

One question on this diagram:


I assume the rod 68526 attached to part 68501 is supposed to be up (pulled toward the roof) for it to be unlocked, correct? As you can see in the next photo I have disconnected this and manually pulled it up while trying to open the door (although I've tried both ways)



I don't mind paying for a new mechanism but it has to be opened before I can replace it, right?

I'm in a catch-22!