Honda Repair: Shifts but wont go, cotter pin, constant velocity

Question
95 Honda Civic EX, 4 speed automatic, starts fine.  Shifts freely into every gear just will not move when the gas is applied, what would cause this, and how would it be fixed ?

Thank You, JW

Answer
sounds like two things, either the torques converter is broken inside the case and is no longer connected to the transmission, or the most popular reason, your axle popped out. the cv or constant velocity joint is what connects your transmission to the wheels. just look underneath to see if the passenger side axle is broken, loose, or just came out of the boot. if this is the case you could fix it yourself with just a few tools. the easiest way is to find a 32mm socket and what they call a pickling fork. you can borrow or purchase these from any auto parts store. very inexpensive. just take off the wheel with a 19mm or a fourway. then you will see a real big nut. have someone hold the brakes while you loosen the bolt. then loosen the bolt on the top of the control arm. it is a 17mm. you may need to use pliers to take out or break the cotter pin. once you loosen that bolt use a prybar or a pickling fork to remove the two peices.

here is a picture.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k36/silbracing/old_hung_small.jpg

once you get that ubolted, just pull the axle out. if the boot is broken, they need to be replaced. they are around $50 at a parts store. installation is just opposite. hope this helps.