diff --git a/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.cpp b/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.cpp
index b45d4889ba..24af778cc8 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.cpp
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ void AP_ICEngine::update(void)
         // while ignoring tiny noise
         if (cvalue >= 1700) {
             cvalue = 2000;
-        } else if (cvalue <= 1300) {
+        } else if ((cvalue > 800) && (cvalue <= 1300)) {
             cvalue = 1300;
         } else {
             cvalue = 1500;
diff --git a/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.h b/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.h
index 4ce28e6d40..db3067fa3e 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_ICEngine/AP_ICEngine.h
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ private:
     AP_Int16 options;
 
     // start_chan debounce
-    uint16_t start_chan_last_value;
+    uint16_t start_chan_last_value = 1500;
     uint32_t start_chan_last_ms;
 };