Lift Gate Latch

I have a 1999 Caravan and the rear lift gate latch is acting up. I opened it from the inside access hole, removed the panel, and looked at the assembly. The lock solenoid seems to be working, as it moves in & out. However I cannot see inside where it the linkage attaches the the outside handle. I looked and saw the long plastic (teflon?) rod that seems to be holding the outer latch in place, and looked at the Haynes manual, and it would appear that would have to be removed to get the outside handle off the door, so I can see whats going on. When I tried to remove that plastic rod, it would not budge, and all it did was twist to the point where my socket began slipping.

The handle seems to do nothing, it pulls up very easy, and it acts like it would if it was locked, even if I manually move the linkage. So I need to see where the linkage attaches to that handle, or at least see how it functions. Haynes is a little too vague, and the drawing is poor. So either I need someone to coach me through a repair, or I need a much better drawing than Haynes offers.

Any help greatly appreciated!
Thanks