I hope you didn't already restart, because I found a way to get past this, thanks to another post on this site.
1. Make a copy of your save file just to back it up in case something goes wrong.
2. Download the KOTOR save editor if you don't have it already (http://knightsoftheoldrepublic.filefront.com/file/;68852#Download)
3. Open up KSE and it should detect your saves automatically if they're in a normal spot.
4. Navigate to Globals -> Numerics, and look for Tar_VulkarElevator. Set it to 0 and commit the change.
Now you can go to the panel on the main level next to the garage and you can get further. Hope this helps!
