I screwed up today and locked my keys in my 2000 passat. A friend tried to use a "slim jim" and unlock the front drivers side door. That didn't work and now I cannot open the door from the outside. I can open the door from the inside and the power locks work. If anyone has any idea what might have happened and how I can repair the mechanism, it would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to think that you did get your car fixed by now, but for anyone else wanting to see photos of what the door looks like inside, here is an excellent link:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1542461