Is it the battery? If so, should I replace it myself?

[Laredo]

Check in this forum, search for IMS o read this IMS 101 | The IMS Solution this just happen to me and I am awere is not the typical presentation. But if you have a oil leak and a noise at start I recommend you ruled out. To start your car you must push the clutch and The interlock switch is activated if is failing your stater doesn't work. Sometimes is just the starter follow JFP advice if doesn't work probably you have to replace it. If you don't feel comfortable find a god Indy.

[southernstar]

Without an oil leak, and with the sporadic screeching sound that is described, I can't imagine it is the IMS bearing. If it ihas been screeching for a period already, it would have seized by now. As JFP says, it certainly sounds as if the issue is with the bendix for the starter.