To find out if that is it. Just take your serpatine belt off. Then start the engine. If its quiet then that is likely your problem.

It is fairly easy. You have to take the AC compressor loose. Then take the alternator off. You will need a 17mm hex/allen wrench. Best to use a hex socket and impact wrench. A couple of hits with and it comes right off.

 

So I just found out that I KILLED the battery and had to get a new. Now I have a new problem: All the settings were lost when I pulled the battery (timing, fuel, transmission, etc). How do I restore the settings? Or do I have to take it to a dealer for that?

 

Just drive it. The computers will re-learn in a few days.

 

Even if its not shifting out of first now?

 

If it's not shifting at all, then it's not a problem caused by disconnecting the battery. Get it in to someone with the right equipment and knowhow for a proper diagnosis. That can't be done over the internet.
What was it that you did that "KILLED" the battery? Let's hope that whatever it was that "KILLED" the battery didn't take out the computer(s) in the process.

 

Definately need to know what happened. All details possible. However, sometimes when a battery is going out or has died it will cause these issues. You can do a couple of quick things (one is a pain on the sebrings) try taking the negative cable off for about five minutes to let the computer reset. Then hook it up and start the car. Let it Idle for about 10 minutes. Shut it off, restart and try driving it. See of that helps. If not, get it towed to a shop. (Letting it sit at idle after unhooking the battery can let the computer and sensors get in tune with each other, basically relearn all settings) worth a try before an expensive shop bill.

 

Well the charge light came on I ended up driving until I could get close enough to town to have a tow truck come and tow it home. Before the battery finally died the transmission slipped out of gear and wouldn't shift. I had to pull over on the highway hoping I didn't kill the battery. When I finally got it home, with the key in the ignition, I shifted into park. Not knowing that if the battery is dead the transmission locks into park, I had to get the tow truck guy to jump the battery so that I could put it into neutral push it in front of my house.

 

The transmission is computer controlled. When the voltage gets real low, strange things happen, but the new battery should straighten it all out again.
You may be stuck in 2nd gear, which is the "limp mode".
I hope the tow truck guy didn't jump you with 24 volts. If he did he may have fried your computers.
Find some place with a DRB III to get deep inside your electronics and find out what is going on in there.