2001 2500 club cab back door bottom catch won't release I took inside panel off but I cant figure out how the catch works.

 

Been there done that.

The bottom one usally rusts and is the proublem.

There are 2 latches one on top and one on the bottom.
On mine when it rusted up and I tried to open it the rod that goes to the lower one came off.

Have someone help you if you can (to pull on the latches while you pull, kick or shove it open) but you can do it your self.

Pull on the handle this should release the top latch.
at the same time reach into the door and pull on the rod going to the bottom latch. I did this from inside of the truck so I could give the door a good shoulder block or two and it should pop open. You could try to reattach the rod but it will not work very well if the bottom latch is not working as the top latch will not be released ether.

Did that make any sense?

hint, soak the bottom latch first with your favorite penetrating oil, wear a glove.

good luck