So eventually the alarm activates. Is the lock solenoid bolted or riveted in? Can I assume I need to lube the door linkage after removing the door card? Or given the car is 18 yrs. old do I replace it?

 

Well, I have no clue why it did that, this is the 2nd time, I asked a Mod to delete since I wasn't able to. Here's the pics I was trying to post.

Until you open that panel, you won't know the situation for sure. The linkage has a couple plastic links to check and I'd bet it was one of them. Here's a couple angles of it.