ToolPants, will this remote work?
 

I bought this about a month ago from ebay. I haven't gone to the dealer yet to program it. I just remembered that you said something about this that 97's have a different remote from the rest (?)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7909418931&category=40 016

That is from a 2001 996 part number 996 637 244 31. Good luck.

When at your dealer ask them if the remote you need is 996 637 243 01 for your 19997.

The guy mentioned Boxster in the description. That bastard.

Well it does have 2 buttons and it does have the 24 digit code - so some 996 owner will want it since it has value with the paper tag.

1997-2000 Boxster remotes have 2 buttons. 3 starting in 2001. The third is for electrical front trunk release.

996 had 1 and then 2 in 2001 when they also got the electrical front trunk release.

Putting that all aside, 1997 is an odd ball year. The control unit under the seat is different than all other years as is the remote. The one touch up window on the passenger side does not work on a 1997, but works on all other years, as an example, since the signal goes through the same control unit.

Us 1997 Boxster owners cannot even use the remote from a 1998 Boxster.

A 2001 996 owner will want the remote so you can get your money back.

Just looked at the remote very closely, the trunk relase button is for the front trunk.