2004 Honda Odyssey Rear Sliding Door Will Not Open

I’m working on my son’s 2004 Honda Odyssey (similar models 1999-2004). The cable on the door opening mechanism broke. The door was then manually shut and locked. Now, no matter what you do, the door will not open. If you try to open with the button or door handle the motor turns and you hear a bunch of “whirring” noises and then can push the door open to the first unlock position. But no matter what you do after that, the door will not budge open electrically or manually past what I’m guessing is the second safety catch.

I took off the sliding door inner panel and both of the cables from the door handle to the latching mechanism worked properly. I tried putting a long screwdriver into the mechanism and prying on whatever levers I could find, but nothing seemed to work.

I thought I read that the door motor cable must also pull on the latch for it to work. I saw Eric’s video from October 2014 on his 2001 Odyssey, ( https://www.ericthecarguy.com/body-videos/417-sliding-door-repair-2001-honda-odyssey#faqnoanchor ) on how to get to the door opening motor and cable.

My next step will be to remove the rear inner panels and then try to pull on the broken end of the cable to see if the door will release. (I’m hoping I can get the rear inner panels off without the rear door being opened. I noticed in Eric’s video that he had the door open to remove rubber weather stripping and to pull out the panel at the base of the door.

Can anyone tell me if I’m on the right track or is there some other “trick” way to get the rear door open with the above situation.

I think once I get the door opened, I can then replace whatever parts are broken.

Thank you for any feedback.

Dave R.