Cadillac Repair: OILE PRESURE LIGHT ON, cadillac deville, possability

Question
I HAVE A 99 CADILLAC DEVILLE WAS DRIVING IT YESTERSDAY AND THE SPEED STARTED TO DECLINE SO I PULLED THE CAR OVER WHICH IT THEN CUT OFF NOW I HAVE A OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON AND THE CAR WANT CRANK. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT MAY BE WRONG MS. TREADWELL

Answer
Hi Ms. Threadwell, If the oil light came on just before the engine died then you could have locked the engine up because there wasn't any oil in the engine or the oil pump gave out. I would suggest pulling the oil dipstick, wipe off any oil that may be on it, stick it back in the tube and pull it out again.  If there is no oil on the dipstick then the engine could be locked up. It is very important that the front crankshaft bolt be very tight because it presses against the oil pump gear to allow it to turn. It your car was in the shop recently and they had to work in that area then the bolt might not have been tightened enough and that caused the lack of oil pressure.

    There is a possability that a componant that the serpentine belt drives like the alternator or a/c compressor is locked up and that is stopping the engine from turning. You would need to remove the belt by releaseing the tensioner and then removeing the belt or just cut it off. Then see if the engine will turn over.

    You can put a socket on the front crankshaft bolt and turn it with a ratchet and see if it will turn. Maybe the starter is defective or the battery is weak.

    Sounds like you might need to have your car towed to the shop and have it checked out to be sure. Let me know if you need anymore help. Bill