it does not matter which switch i try to lock/unlock the front passenger door with, what happens is i hear the motor turning, but the lock does not move. i have to manually pull/push the lock up/down. i can also use the key to lock/unlock the front passenger door from the outside of the car. any ideas what could be wrong with the power lock of the front passenger door? i'm a newbie, so i hope it's not anyting terribly difficult. i would like to try to knock this out myself without breaking anything

 

Door lock actuator. You will need to remove the door panel. Pry back the plastic cover and it is 3 bolts on the door and 3? more where the panel covers. Remove carefully and replace with new one.

You can probably get directions from honda if you are nice to them or at least have your maintenance done there.