How do I get the drivers R/H door panel of to get access to the window operating switches on my 2001 V/W SHARAN

no year no joy, no ever.
check fuses.

if no door or window switches work in entire car start by checking FUSES , then by spraying compressed air into the switches on the drivers door panel whilst moving switches back and forth. then spray some WD40 or electronic componet cleaner into edges of switches whist moving switches hoping they come back to life. then pulling open drivers door rubber harness cover where it enters car. look for wires in the loom that are cracked and broken. this is likely.as wires bend each time door is opened. then remove drivers door panel and test then remove loom connector from door frame and use OHM /volt meter to find broken wires or switches in drivers door problems in drivers door. check for voltage at window motor first. . buy whole new door panel with wiring harness and switches at Pick n pull. if that does not work ..buy a haynes manual and look at wiring schematics. NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER BUY NEW PARTS.

I am assuming its the drivers door window you are speaking of....
The drivers door has the master window switch w/lockout. The entire assembly must be replaced. The individual switches on the drivers door can't be replaced by themselves. Some GM vehicles allow the panel with the switch assembly to be removed without removing the door panel. However, most require the door panel to be removed for access to the window switch assembly. The master door/window switch assembly is not cheap, by the way.
I would check/replace the window relay first. Usually located under the dash, or under one of the seats.
Might just be the window motor on the problem window.

Fuses are located nex to your feet near the pedals or next to the passengers feet.

Condensation at winter time gets in the motor and corrodes it, especially its electrical contacts, if its not too serious yet, beating on your door panel down low with your fist can sometimes cause the electrical connection to connect and work again... Otherwise check your power to that motor while operating the switches and while any safety lock-out switch on the driver's switch panel is in the correct operating position. (ignition on also). Less common is any corrosion to the wiring harness plugs. Try the window from both drivers and passengers switches. Replacement motors should run about $250 installed. It requires taking the door panel off and usually the side tracks and glass removed.

Hello,
If the vehicel is several years old, this could be due to a fatigues cable in the gaiter which connects the door to the door column. The solution to this questions is answered elsewhere in this web site. it could laso be due to a failed window switch. To check this, remove the window switch be 'leavering'it out of its recess and use a voltmeter to check that when the button is pressed, a votage appears on the appropriate terminal to operate the window. You can check this out by first operating a window which works.


Thanks

You have screws on every corner of the panel, maybe one for the door handle. Take that off. You might have to take the plastic and foam out a little. This will give you access to the window. Best of luck to you.

Power Windows Operation
The vehicle is equipped with power windows controlled by the door modules. Each passenger door power window can be operated, either from a switch built into the driver door switch assembly (DDSA), or from a switch mounted locally on its associated door. The driver door power window can only be operated from the switch built into the DDSA.
If the driver door module (DDM) receives a window switch request from any of the window switches built into the DDSA, the DDM checks the Class 2 serial data to see if conditions are correct (i.e. ignition switch position) to permit window operation to occur. If conditions are correct, the DDM, either supplies power and ground to its associated window motor, or sends a command via the power door serial data line to the passenger door module controlling the window. The passenger door module controlling the window then supplies power and ground to its associated window motor to move the window as requested.
When one of the local window switches mounted on one of the passenger doors is operated, the associated passenger door module examines the request and checks to see if there are any messages from the DDM prohibiting the window operation. If conditions are correct, and no prohibitive messages have been received from the DDM, the associated passenger door module then supplies power and ground to its associated window motor to move the window as requested.


Class 2 data network wires under the carpet behind driver seat. Water shorts out the network an and it won't work .
your looking for tan/white wire's and a connector . This is where the problem is .

Pop out the switch on the door that has the issue, more than likely switch has gone bad and needs to be replaced. you will need to check it with a meter to see if power is getting to the switch and also to check when switch is activated if power goes through switch

I believe that you will need to remove that trim piece to access some screws. Check in door handle pocket to see if there may be a small cover hiding a screw.