I had this problem, 99 boxster with the top not working. It was due to the parking brake not going on in the console... If your in a pinch and need to get the top back up, you can trick the CPU into allowing the top to go up or down..
To do so you need to turn on the car, then turn it off, put the key over all the way (without turning it on).. In this mode you'll notice ALL the lights in your HUD/console will come on including.... you guessed it the parking brake light! At this point you can put up or down the top...
To fix the problem you need to order part# 996-613-112-01
It very cheap (about $5 dollars).. Its also a universal part, they put it in Boxster's, Carrera's, etc.. Anyone can install this, its VERY easy.. You just need some star screw drivers to open the center console.
Hope this helps
(by the way, its part #9 in the diagram)
Threaded Mode
