Aftermarket Power Windows Venture

[stevet77]

I have a problem with my 2001 Venture. The Dealer installed/had installed aftermarket power windows on a "value Venture"... They use the optional switches in the center below the radio (beside the rear window wiper). They have been working fine until now. My son was fooling with the key (insert/remove),, and there was some kind of system error, and the radio indicates "CAL ERR". I Ok, so now I pulled the key and the kid, and reinserted the key properly. Everything works , except the Aftermarket power window switches no longer work. The Dealer disavows all knowledge of installation, says he would have to "discover" how they were installed at $120/hr...forget it.
My Question: Is there some programming that tells the system that these switches exist? there are no fuses blown (I checked them all). I realize the "CAL ERR" radio msg is not related to power windows, but I suspect the system got some kind of error, and it doesn't know about the switches anymore... any ideas?

[PteHoward]

Aftermarket power windows? Interesting.
I would say judging by the way it sounds like the van is set up, I cant see the aftermarket kit being related to the BCM. What I think might have happened is the quick on-off-on-off-on action may have sent a surge to the system as it sounds like something messed up your venture. CAL ERR isnt something I have seen yet.

I would start by checking in the passengers fuse panel, (its on the right side of the dash, and its hidden when the door is closed. Cross-check your fuses and see if there are any that are there that shouldnt be for your model of venture. Also be sure to check inside the engine bay power distribution box, to see if there are any nuked/mystery fuses.

Failing that, you can open up your center console and have a look at the back of the switches. Somewhere it should have listed exactly whom manufactures this kit. Or there may be an inline fuse. Call the manufacturer and ask them, or do a wire trace to see how the aftermarket kit is set up.

Hopefully this can point you in the right way.

Howie