The Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) inverter plays an important role in express locomotive. Especially after traction motors are fed by fast switching inverters, the interturn insulation is destroyed more heavily. However, a new type of polyimide corona resistant film is developed and used in insulation of traction motors. In order to investigate the service life of this kind of traction motor, the mechanism and characteristics of dielectric breakdown of polyimide corona resistant are studied in the paper. Experiments have been carried out on specimen according to the condition of traction motor. The breakdown point of tested sample film is analyzed through energy spectrum analysis and electron microscopic photograph. At last, it is presented that the characteristics and mechanism of breakdown of polyimide corona resistance film.