How easy is it to replace the front wiper motor on a 2004 ford escape ? Where is it located ?

Front Wiper Motor Removal & Installation

NOTE A new wiper motor assembly comes with the linkage arm installed.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Remove the windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
   WARNING Do not remove the wiper motor linkage arm from the wiper motor assembly. If the arm is removed, the wiper arms may not park in the correct location.
   NOTE Use a suitable tool to separate the wiper linkage arm from the wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft assembly.
   
3. Remove the 3 bolts and the wiper motor.
   
   
   
   Fig. Wiper motor and linkage
   

1. Install wiper motor and bolts.
2. Tighten wiper motor bolts to 10 ft. lbs. (13 Nm).
3. Install windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft.
4. Check wiper operation.

1. Remove the rear pivot arm.
2. Remove the rear wiper motor shaft nut cover
3. Remove the rear wiper motor shaft nut.
4. Open the lift gate window.
5. Remove the rear wiper motor cover trim panel.
6. Disconnect the electrical connector.
7. Remove the 2 rear window wiper motor nuts
8. Remove the rear window wiper motor.
   
   
   Fig. Rear wiper motor view-2008 model shown, other years similar
   

1. Install rear wiper motor and tighten mounting nuts to 62 inch lbs. (7 Nm).
2. Reconnect the electrical connector.
3. Install wiper motor cover trim panel.
4. Install rear wiper pivot arm tighten nut to 53 inch lbs. (6 Nm).
5. Install shaft nut cover.
   
6. Check wiper operation.

The wiper motor is located under the black cowl in the front. remove the cowl and follow the wiper arms till you hit the motor. Its not a hard job just tight in space.

It may sound pretty complicated, But the Escape happens to be one of the easiest out there, and fantastic for a beginner.