Praise to Kevin

The Arthur Fonzerelli (The Fonz) approach worked. I used an18 inch 3/8 ratchet extension and plastic headed hammer to rap on the little bugger a bit and it released. I put the head of the extension as close to the manual release point on the lock as I could and struck the thing smarly, not enough to dent but enough to rattle it pretty well. Low and behold, the thing released. Once open, I was able to get the lock assembly bolts out of the door (they came out very very easily so I think this thing had been fooled with before we bought it - oh well). I unplugged the electrical connection and reassembled it until I can get a new replacement to put in. Seems to work fine manual alone and that will do for now. Again, thanks to all of you who offered up advice on this. Sometimes a well placed kick is just the right medicine. And a special, Hats Off, to Kevin.