a few days ago i was coming home from work when my car died. when i got home i tried it and it would get a higher than normal pitch when trying to turn over and my clutch was real soft to the touch. i tried it again today and it turned over 3 times but still didnt start up, it was a little low on oil but nothing major, and never had any issues like this before. all electronics inside the car work fine even the stereo system i have in it, when i try to start it everything looks normal, when i turn the key there is a very faint dimming of the dash lights and then it just starts to whine and try to turn over.anyone know what could be wrong or maybe point me in the right direction.

 

How did it "get home" from the first time....has it run since it died? Questioning if the t-belt broke? Have you checked this?

If it has re-started since then, sounds like the starter isn't "catching" the flywheel. Check power at the starter if working and motor isn't turning over then check the starter-after checking t-belt.