diff --git a/libraries/AP_GPS/AP_GPS.cpp b/libraries/AP_GPS/AP_GPS.cpp
index ce4d619d7a..631372080b 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_GPS/AP_GPS.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_GPS/AP_GPS.cpp
@@ -341,7 +341,7 @@ AP_GPS::update_instance(uint8_t instance)
     // has expired, re-initialise the GPS. This will cause GPS
     // detection to run again
     if (!result) {
-        if (tnow - timing[instance].last_message_time_ms > 1200) {
+        if (tnow - timing[instance].last_message_time_ms > 1200 && !_ublox_no_fix) {
             // free the driver before we run the next detection, so we
             // don't end up with two allocated at any time
             delete drivers[instance];