[Plastic_Fork]

The door latch release rods I believe have to be aligned correctly when you install the door handle. I don't think anything's broken, just not put back together correctly.

As for taking the door panel off, I think it's just a screw under a screw cover on the door handle, one up by where it meets the dash, maybe one on the door panel toward the rear near the latch, and then I think it's just clips holding it on from there - just pry it off. I've never taken mine off personally, so can't speak from first-hand esxperience.