Circuit Breaker: Description and Operation
CIRCUIT BREAKERAutomatic resetting circuit breakers are used to protect the power seat and power window system circuits. These circuit breakers are located in the fuse-block module, which is under the instrument panel. These circuit breakers can protect the systems from a short circuit, or from an overload condition caused by an obstructed or stuck seat adjuster or power window regulator.
The circuit breaker cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
The circuit breaker contains a bi-metal strip between two contacts forming the link in the circuit. The automatic reset feature is used when the system circuit encounters an overload condition or a short to ground. An overload condition causes the bi-metal strip to heat and bend to the open position, disconnecting current flow to the circuit. Then as the system overload or short circuit is removed, the bi-metal strip cools, re-establishing contact to allow current flow to the circuit.