Hello all,
My son just bought a 2001 Sonata and for starters the Passenger side rear door handles don't work, I can't get the door open.
Is there a way to remove the door panel with the door shut?

Thank you for any help.

 

So the outside handle doesn't work either if the doors are unlocked from the driver's seat or with the fob? I guess I was wondering if the child safety lock had simply been set on that door.

 

Looks like you might get the panel off without opening the door, looks like 3 screws and pop the plastic trim rivets:

2001 > G 2.4 DOHC > Body (Interior & Exterior)
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
a.
Remove the door window regulator handle and then remove clip using a piece of cloth (Manual type only)

[See large image...]
b.
Remove the rear door inside handle housing.

[See large image...]
c.
Remove the mounting screws (3EA) from the rear door trim panel.

[See large image...]
d.
Insert a trim panel remover between the trim fasteners and then remove the door trim panel.

[See large image...]
e.
Remove the door pull handle mounting bracket and door inside handle.

[See large image...]
f.
Remove the door trim seal.

[See large image...]
g.
Down the door glass and remove the door glass run and delta lower channel.

[See large image...]
h.
Remove the carrier plate mounting bolts from the door regulator channel and remove the door glass.

[See large image...]
i.
Remove the door regulator channel mounting bolts and then remove the door regulator assembly.

[See large image...]
j.
Loosen the door lock actuator mounting bolts and remove the latch assembly.

[See large image...]
k.
Remove the door outside handle mounting bolts.

[See large image...]
l.
Remove the waistline molding.

[See large image...]
m.
Installation is the reverse of removal. When installing the door trim seal, butyl tape should not be place over door trim fastener mounting area.