2 problems with my 1997 Elantra I cannot open driver's door - I unlock door, pull on the handle, and door won't open. I have to roll down the window and open from the outside. Also, my horn died.

Pull on the outside handle up once, then reach inside through the open window and unlock the door, try this and it may correct it self

Try a slim jim first, down the side of the window. Or AAA or locksmith. If no luck, remove the seat first. Find the screws and bolts around the door handle and arm rest. Most Ford's have screws around the outer side of the panel. I don't believe your's does. The panel lifts or pops off. Once the panel is off, you can reach down and open the door. Just a note. I have done some to where the panel came out in pieces.

this could be a couple of problems 1 the handle portion that connects to the actuation rod is broken or the actuation rod has popped out of the handle. Either way you will need to remove the door panel to identify the problem.

the driver door and power window is something different from the check engine light power windows sounds like a fuse is all windows are just one window check engine light or malfunction light your car every time you start it it sends signals to all the sensors in your car if it finds a fault then it throws that light on that you see heres how to find out why the light is on it stores the code to whats wrong with your car have the code pulled with a ob1 or ob2 code scanner auto parts store will do it for free could be something minor like a bad gas cap could be something more serious the door now do you have keyless entry on your door like a code you have to punch in your car door to get in it if not then is it only one door if its only one door the sping has come lose on the door handle on the inside of the door panel work on all b4 model Passats, which are (I think) from model years 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998. If you try it and mess up your door, don't come after me. So there. The problem: External door handles on B4 Passats tend to stop working. This is a gradual process, where at first it might take a couple of pulls to open, then more pulls, and finally it won't open at all. This leads to much angst, and there's just way too much angst in the world.
A possible reason: The roll-pin that holds part of the mechanism (what I'll call the "widget" ... clever, eh?) in place tends to slide out of position, allowing the widget to slide towards the outside of the door handle.
How to check: Follow steps 1-3 below to see if your roll pin has slid out and the widget has moved out of position.
How to fix it

1. Open the door and, using a Phillips-head screwdriver, unscrew the large screw (parallel to the door handle) at the back of the door. See #1 for a picture, or click here for a big picture
   Please note: It appears that the passenger-side doors are REVERSE threaded, so go the opposite ways to loosen/tighten the screw.
   
   
2. Pull out the exterior handle. It should slide forward, then out. See #2 for a picture, or click here for a big picture
   
   
3. The back of the mechanism should have a "roll pin" sticking out (see picture #2). If your problem is like mine, there will be a very small arm (widget) that should be in front of the pin (front being towards the front of the car), but has slid to the outside of the handle. You can tell which widget this is by pulling on the handle and seeing it move.
   Please note: The roll pin may have fallen out completely. If it isn't there, you can probably use a small screw or something in its place.
   
   
4. Pull the roll pin out enough so the widget can be slid into place (you'll notice a hole in the widget). Force the widget towards the interior of the car and line it up so you push the roll pin all the way through to the hole on the back end, then go ahead and push the roll pin all the way through to lock the widget into place. You might need a screwdriver or something to force it in, and perhaps a small screwdriver to force the widget into place. When done, it should look like #3.
   Please note: For best results, push the roll pin ALL THE WAY in.
   
   
5. Spray some lubricant (silicon gel works fine for me) on the interior of the door and the locking mechanism.
   
   

http://chris.quietlife.net/passat/doorfix/pic2.php

1. Open and close the door freely!

Since you can get the door open, half the battle is already won. Yes, open the door, pull the interior door panel and take a look around. Watch inside with a flashlight (towards the rear of the door) as you roll the window down to see if you can see what it's snagged on.

yes

Order the exterior door handle AND the clip that attaches the rod to the exterior handle from your local dealership ( any part in the salvage yard will have at least as much wear as the one U are replacing ) Also order a can of touch up paint matching your car. After you have the parts and have painted the new exterior handle, roll down the window and remove the interior door panel. ( instructions have been posted at 'replace door lock buttom' ) Two nuts, one on each side, hold the broken handle in place and must be removed ( DON'T loose them ). Loosen the rod from the clip at the top to allow a bit more room, But take note on the way it is attached ( you will need to reattach the rod to new handle ) To install new mechanism put the new clip on the rod, carefully place the gasket and the new handle in place and install nuts to secure. Test the door handle and make sure it works. Reinstall interior door panel.

he handle inside breakes replace it common problem easy repair new one at dealer

tools:
philip head screw driver,
flat head screw driver
metric socket std and deep.
rachet metric or 3/8 driver with a adaptor.
socket extension.
lower the windows.
look for small plastic cover on the door handle and door pull, pop the cover with a samll flat head screw and loosen the screws with philip head screw driver.
pull the in side panel from the button of the door panel with the help of screw driver and along the sides.
push the inside panel up wards to clear the glass. and disconnect any of the electric wiring. and left the panel out of the way.
take the window switch from the door pnael and roll up the windows.
peel down th inside water seal.
you should be able to get to the mounting screws for the mirror.