06 SE charging problem...

[koenig]

The Lead Up: Friday-25C(cold) Murano starts up, leave it warming up/defrosts on, go to drive, engine won't accelerate in D or R, some idiot lights flashing (SLP, miscellaneous others) but never any Battery/Charging lights. So, I charge battery thinking frozen cell(s). Starts back up fine, no idiot lights, drives fine.... until about 20 kms later, engine cuts out... no warning lamps, etc! No battery power to restart. So... I'm still thinking lousy battery, purchase new one... Runs great! Sunday, after a drive back from the cottage, stalls at a light, same idiot lights flashing... no restart power... It's not charging! LOL! Wife charges my battery with her car, I drive home. Battery shows 12.1 volts, engine dead or running>>> obviously no charge, should be 14.2>.
Now... I'm pissed cause my snowmobile engine died on Saturday! What a W/E! Now: searching out the best R & R for alternator... WOW... give me 5 minutes with the designer of this! This is a 3>5 hour R & R at best!
QUESTIONS: any good tricks to bypass some of the ridiculous removal of half the engine bay to service this alternator??? Are there any other thoughts as to what I might check before pulling the car to pieces in a very COLD week?
Oh.. 1 other thing... why would not the battery light illuminate if there's no charging???

[koenig]

Bent over and went to the dealer! Wasn't to bad, 417 Nissan was talking $1100, and putting in a Nissan alt, but would have to wait 2 days to receive it. Myers Orleans Nissan did the job putting in a new Bosch alt(2 yr warranty) for $542. taxes in... pays to shop around! I know, I know... I could have done it myself, but in the middle of winter, unheated garage... I bent! PLS understand... this is Can dollars and we are always higher than the USA!