Saving SI board during storeage

[clipper]

Specific question this one.

Is there any way to make sure that the SI board doesn't get ruined from leaking batteries during long term car storeage?

Will removing the board from the car help at all or should I desolder the batteries and remove them from the board completely?

[Brianmoooore]

One version of the board uses NiCd rechargeable batteries. These, if in good condition, should discharge completely after a long while, and then be inert.
The other version of the board is fitted with lithium batteries that are not rechargeable, so if these are allowed to go flat they are ruined.
Boards of this type that were supplied by BMW as replacements for failed boards have three substantial pins fitted about 1/3 from the end of the board, with a jumper link that fits over the middle pin and either of the outer pins, plus a large orange sticker in the shape of an arrow, instructing as to which position is 'on' and which is 'off'.
If you are storing a board of this kind, even if it is inside a cluster, the link should be moved to the 'off' position.
Boards with lithium batteries that were fitted as OE at the factory have the positions on the circuit board for the pins, but none are fitted. Instead, there is a small wire link fitted between two much smaller holes near where the pins fit, and when these boards are stored, the wire link should be snipped with a pair of side cutters. A blob of solder will reinstate it when the board is used.

[clipper]

Thats great Brian.

My board definately has a large orange sticker instructing some kind of activation and I'm sure I've seen an invoice for a replacement in the paperwork so I should just be able to restore it to the off position.

Thanks a lot.