My dad's got a 1989 dakota LE. It has power windows and power locks but no power mirrors. The door handle on the drivers side is starting to go. Its hard to open from the outside sometimes and when you do get it open, it doesn't like to shut. It's like its stuck. He wants me to find some kind of diagram or something so he can figure out how to fix it. Don't ask why he doesn't just take the panel off. I'm not sure why. I just know that if I don't find a diagram, he'll yell at me and try to make me feel like I'm deliberately trying to ignore his requests for help.

 

You can get a chiltons or haynes manaul from autozone or pepboys almost any parts store will have a repair manaul. They run about $15 or so. Ifyour looking for wires,FAQ here has a wiring diagram. To me your problem sounds like its thehandle mechanisum. I had to replace mine. If you get one from the junkyard it would be an easy fix. You dont even have to worry about the key. Just keep you stock lock. You can also try wd40 on it too.

 

Check the striker post for excessive wear and try to determine if the open latch claw and striker bolt are close to alignment.
The Hayes manual doesn't have a diagram but shows an adjustment can be made at an access hole by the latch mechanism. If the latch is not lining up with striker this maybe why the door is hard to shut....or maybe the latch mechanism is just worn and the claw is bent or getting jamed.

Anyway, the picture shows slot by the 3 latch bolts which is used to access the adjustment screw. (from the book) "loosen the linkage adjusting screw by inserting a screwdriver into the access hole on the end of the door. Push up on the latch lever through the access hole to remove all slack from the linkage, then tighten the screw while holding the latch lever in place"

 

got the same problem on my 89 dak sport. flick it twice and it opens. problem solved.