diff --git a/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py b/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py
index 9af2bbe860..c1fb53c63d 100755
--- a/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py
@@ -148,9 +148,9 @@ def match_fw_to_car(fw_versions, allow_exact=True, allow_fuzzy=True):
 
 
 def get_present_ecus(logcan, sendcan, num_pandas=1) -> Set[EcuAddrBusType]:
-  params = Params()
-  queries: Dict[bool, List[List[EcuAddrBusType]]] = defaultdict(list)
-  parallel_queries: Dict[bool, List[EcuAddrBusType]] = defaultdict(list)
+  # queries are split by OBD multiplexing needs
+  queries: Dict[bool, List[List[EcuAddrBusType]]] = {True: [], False: []}
+  parallel_queries: Dict[bool, List[EcuAddrBusType]] = {True: [], False: []}
   responses = set()
 
   for brand, r in REQUESTS:
@@ -178,6 +178,7 @@ def get_present_ecus(logcan, sendcan, num_pandas=1) -> Set[EcuAddrBusType]:
   for obd_multiplexing in queries:
     queries[obd_multiplexing].insert(0, parallel_queries[obd_multiplexing])
 
+  params = Params()
   ecu_responses = set()
   for obd_multiplexing in queries:
     print('OBDOBDOBDOBDOBD - tester present, obd_multiplexing:', obd_multiplexing)