Circuit Breaker

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A circuit breaker is a protective device designed to open the circuit when a current load is in excess of rated breaker capacity. If there is a short or other type of overload condition in the circuit, the excessive current will open the circuit between the circuit breaker terminals. There are two basic types of circuit breaker used in GM vehicle: cycling and noncycling.


Cycling Circuit Breaker
The cycling breaker will open due to heat generated when excessive current passes through it for a period of time. Once the circuit breaker cools, it will close again after a few seconds. If the cause of the high current is still present it will open again It will continue to cycle open and closed until the condition causing the high current is removed.

Non-Cycling Circuit Breaker
There are two types of noncycling circuit breakers. One type is mechanical and is nearly the same as a cycling breaker. The difference is a small heater wire within the noncycling circuit breaker. This wire provides enough heat to keep the bimetallic element open until the current source is removed.

The other type is solid state, called as Electronic Circuit Breaker (ECB). This device has a Positive Temperature Coefficient It increases its resistance greatly when excessive current passes through it The excessive current heats the ECB. As it heats, its resistance increases, therefore having a Positive Temperature Coefficient. Eventually the resistance gets so high that the circuit is effectively Opened, The ECB will not reset until the circuit is opened, removing voltage from its terminals. Once voltage is removed, the circuit breaker will re-close within a second or two.




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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.