2001 Cadillac Catera Owner's Manual - Page 149

The oil light goes on when you turn the key to ON or START. It goes off once you start the engine. That's a check to be sure the light works. If it doesn't come on, be sure to have it fixed so it will be there to warn you if something goes wrong. When the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil isn't flowing through the engine properly. You could be low on oil and you might have some other system problem. NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty. Check Oil Light This light will come on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. If the light doesn't come on, have it repaired. CAUTION: Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. If the light comes on while starting and stays on for about one minute or comes on while driving, the engine oil level should be checked. Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has been shut off for several minutes and is on a level surface. Check the oil level and bring it to the proper level. See "Engine Oil" in the Index. 2-82