IF the "emergency" cable isn't used very often, or never at all, it's possible that it might be a little "frozen"....suggest to liberally lubricate (what you can see of...) the locking mechanism and as much of the cable you can get to. I would use a thin oil like WD-40 initially or a penetrating oil to free it up. Probably a spring there too that needs a good lubricating bath.
I'd try that first.
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98' Boxster
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