Ford e150 van: can't get 2nd passenger door open. Cable to latch broke

I have a 2001 E150 Econoline van with the double side door. The left door has a handle once you open the right door. Unfortunately the cable came out of the bottom latch and there seems to be no way to fish the ball end of the cable back in to let me pull the cable to open that small door. You can't unscrew the latch because the screws are under the door and you can't access them unless the door is open. I cant figure out how to fish a wire in the latch and get it to trigger to open the door. Spent 5 hours today on it and all i got was a cut up wrist and knuckles. Is there any other way to get that door open with taking it off the hinges?

 

Call a Ford dealership and talk to the service manager and/or check with an auto colli.sion repair shop.

 

I have a 99 E-350..... same 60/40 side doors.
I had that problem in the back. Had to strip the door from the inside.
Small side door too. A mirror and flashlight are needed.

You didn't reply so I came back to update my reply.

The reason the lower cable breaks is that the latch gets rusted and puts a strain on the cable. Ford used cheap crappy plastic mounting bushings that crack with age. In these pictures they are a different composition. Do yourself a favor and get the complete repair kit. Handle, cable and lower latch. Part # 6C2Z15264A01AA.
Check out this video for help.... go to 2:10