diff --git a/selfdrive/test/process_replay/test_processes.py b/selfdrive/test/process_replay/test_processes.py
index f5aaec3622..608d0c4af3 100755
--- a/selfdrive/test/process_replay/test_processes.py
+++ b/selfdrive/test/process_replay/test_processes.py
@@ -248,8 +248,12 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
       print("TEST SUCCEEDED")
 
   else:
-    with open(REF_COMMIT_FN, "w") as f:
-      f.write(cur_commit)
-    print(f"\n\nUpdated reference logs for commit: {cur_commit}")
+    if failed:
+      print(diff1)
+      print("FAILED TO UPDATE REFS")
+    else:
+      with open(REF_COMMIT_FN, "w") as f:
+        f.write(cur_commit)
+      print(f"\n\nUpdated reference logs for commit: {cur_commit}")
 
   sys.exit(int(failed))