Background
As you know, the parking brake must be engaged in order to operate the top. The Emergency Brake switch, which detects the position of the parking brake has been known to fail after a few years.
My Emergency Brake switch has been working intermittently (as evidenced by the PARK dash light not illuminating) but usually I can try disengaging/engaging the parking brake a few times & get it to light up - not today.
What I discovered is that the top operation is actually tied to the PARK light on the dash - not the switch itself.
The Workaround
If you can't get the PARK light to illuminate using the e-brake, try this - turn the key to the 'off' position (while stopped, obviously) then turn the key to 'on' without engaging the starter. This will perform a dash light/gauge check and illuminate the PARK lamp. While the lamp is lit, you can operate the top.
The Fix
Emergency Brake switch modules are < $5 and easy to replace. While the workaround above will get you out of a jam, I recommend replacing the switch. If you have an older box, it's worth throwing one of these into your shopping cart when you are placing an order, as the shipping for 1 part is 2x the price of the switch.
Part # 996 613 112 01
http://www.****************************************************.com/product/99661311201.html?Category_Code=POTEBXCM
It is #9 in this diagram:
The B&M SSK installation guide takes you through removing & re-installing the console to access the switch:
http://www.bmracing.com/bmracing/installation_instruction/67.pdf
HTH,
Keywords: Parking Brake, ebrake, emergency brake, e-brake, e brake