diff --git a/selfdrive/pandad/spi.cc b/selfdrive/pandad/spi.cc
index 8f1e29689b..d365dd3620 100644
--- a/selfdrive/pandad/spi.cc
+++ b/selfdrive/pandad/spi.cc
@@ -418,7 +418,7 @@ fail:
     }
   }
 
-  if (ret > 0) ret = -1;
+  if (ret >= 0) ret = -1;
   return ret;
 }
 #endif