i have a 91 accord ex, so maybe its different but it was just a simple rod or something that a had to connect to something else in order to make the handle from the inside work. i was able to open it from the outside, are you able to on your car? maybe its two different problems

im going to install my front speakers soon so i will have to do it again and i will tell you in more detail after i do that.

it was behind the door handle fixture on my car, not any door panels, something easy to get to, i think i probably had to remove one screw to pop it off, it was a little while ago so i dont exactly remember, i hope that helps, again our cars might be to different, but i will install my speaker within the next few days, i'll be able to update you with more info then