^^^ Thanks "Jostafew"
I found similar issue with the Volt when I googled it.
Yup . I thought it "Locked" it . Was able to use a padded trim tool and open ... PHEU
I played around a bit with that spring release and it did hang up once. I'll look more in daylight to see if I can free it or lube it... but knowing it can be pried open was good to discover.