diff --git a/selfdrive/test/setup_device_ci.sh b/selfdrive/test/setup_device_ci.sh
index c4a38efa41..98909bfb52 100755
--- a/selfdrive/test/setup_device_ci.sh
+++ b/selfdrive/test/setup_device_ci.sh
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ while true; do
   #  /data/ciui.py &
   #fi
 
-  awk '{print $1}' /proc/uptime > /var/tmp/power_watchdog
+  awk '{print \$1}' /proc/uptime > /var/tmp/power_watchdog
   sleep 5s
 done