I had the same problem with my 2001 Chevy Express Van. To access the door mechanism you have to pull off the rear panel. The panel on my car had a number of plastic hooks. I pulled from the bottom of the accessible corner of the panel with force in both an outward and upward direction. It wasn't easy but it came off with no damage. To open the door, I reached in and first pulled down to unlatch the top. While holding the door off of the top latch, i pulled up on the bottom to finally pop it open.
Good luck!
I too was looking for an answer to this question. I found an answer on this forum under 2002 Chevy Tahoe. These panels should be similar if not the same. Hope this helps.
Remove the door panels
Remove the 'dog house' and you'll see it right in front of you.
How do I remove the rear shocks on a 2002 chevy camaro convertible?
How do you remove and replace wiper switch on 2002 Chevy Cavalier
how do you remove the dashboard of a 2002 Chevy blazer
how to remove back brakes on a 2002 Chevy surban
Does anyone know how much does a 2002 chevy express 15 passenger van way
Where does the vacuum line lead to from the top of an 2002 Chevy express 1500 van with 5 liter engine
From what I have found from a local dealership the 2002 Chevy Express Van with a 5.7 liter engine and a 3.73 rear axle can tow up to 6600lbs.
hoe do you remove headrest off 2002 Chevy cavaliers
1.- remove the doors panels 2.- remove the old factory speakers