An abnormality detection apparatus for a power supply circuit associated
with an internal combustion engine detects an abnormality that may occur
in a power supply circuit, and controls the automatic stop and the
automatic start of the engine based on the state of the power supply
circuit. The state of charge/discharge of a battery determined based on
the electric potential of a terminal located between the battery and a
generator-motor or a load is compared with the current through the
battery detected by an ammeter. If there is a contradiction therebetween,
it is determined that an abnormality has occurred somewhere in the power
supply circuit including the battery. When it is determined that the
power supply circuit has an abnormality, the apparatus performs such a
control as to prevent the automatic stop/start control in which the
engine is automatically stopped if a predetermined condition is met, and
in which the engine is automatically restarted when the condition is
unmet after being met.