'98 3.0 won't crank..HelP

98 Sable 3.0L 118,000 miles

While driving the red oil light flashed on and then all the other warning lights came on. The engine (http://campaigns.ford-trucks.com/campaigns/direct.php?log=yes&bannerid=89)died and i coasted to the side of the highway. The engine would not start. The starter will not even turn over. Just one click is all you hear when you turn the key.

Here is what i already did and have eliminated:
-checked battery under load. It checked OK (battery is 1 month old)
-battery cables are OK (negative cable 1 month old)
-removed the serpentine belt and tried to start engine. Same thing, one click from starter. Does not turn over. I thought that maybe the alternator or the A\C compressor was locked up.
-the oil level is OK.....maybe ½ a quart low...within specs.

I am beginning to wonder if the engine seized up. There wasn't any weird sounds or anything. One minute you're driving, the next minute all the red lights come on and you're unable to re-start.

I would suspect the starter, but it has nothing to do with the engine once you have started the engine. My next move is to have it towed to the ford dealership and pay $82 for 1 hour of diagnostics. Any ideas are welcome. thanks!

Can you turn the motor by hand?

Could you have blown a Maxi-fuse in the engine compartment fuse/relay box?

Best way to eliminate fuse, relay, ignition switch problem is by using a Remote Starter Switch. You can get it at your local autoparts store. This item has two clips on both ends of the wire and there is a push button switch in the middle. You can connect one end on the battery + terminal and the other end on the starter + side just push the button on this remote starter switch and if the engine rotates, your starter is fine. It could be a bad starter solenoid or other ignition related problem.

i agree with kim try putting a socket on the main flywheel bout a 7/8 deep well and try rolling the engine if it turns then i would pull starter and have it checked. i had one engage while driving and seize at same time froze whole engine.

UPDATE:

Well, the engine was seized. The ford dealer told me the crankshaft spun a bearing or two or even more. They figured the oil pump died and that was that.

Dealership's price: $3700.00 for a rebuilt engine.
Salvage yard's price: $1250.00 for used engine and installation. ($600 for engine+$650 for install)

Well, i'm driving the sable again with a 2000 3.0L with 20,000 miles on the clock. They used the 98's intake because the newer engines have plastic intakes. The car idles smooth and seems to be as good or better than new.

I think $1250 was a great price for the whole deal. They gave a 90 day warranty on the job. What do you all think?

Since $1250- most likely couldn't get you a good used car, I think you did ok.