I see a "touch sensor connector" for the door handle in the service manual (page 20-13, step 8), so maybe I can disconnect at that point without affecting the power locks, but it's not clear if that would also throw an error message or affect anything else.

 

yes you can disconnect at the door handle, but you will need to take the door panels off. It won't give you errors other than you will need to press buttons on key to lock or unlock the car.

 

Great info, thanks much! Door panels need to come off to recover the door armrests, so I plan to do that at the same time.

 

Having this same issue, so I’ll resurrect this thread. Ever find the problem? This is on the driver’s side door. Tore the white plastic box out last night in search of why the two door cables wouldn’t actuate it. They seemed to move fine. Cable stretch? Is there an electronic connection activated my the mechanical action of the interior door handle? Puzzling.

I’ve lived with the shorted handle and blown #7 fuse for three years. I’ve got electrical gremlins, too. Sure seems that handle effects a lot of other circuitry. I have a parasitic load that drains the battery after 36 hrs, among other issues.

i just want to be able to open the door from the inside. Seems a purely mechanical fix.