diff --git a/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py b/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py
index 51a89021e4..c0373a8efb 100644
--- a/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py
+++ b/Tools/autotest/arducopter.py
@@ -7387,21 +7387,24 @@ class AutoTestCopter(AutoTest):
         for mot_id_to_kill in 1, 2:
             self.progress("Turning ESC=%u off" % mot_id_to_kill)
             self.set_parameter("SIM_FTOWESC_POW", mask & ~(1 << mot_id_to_kill))
-            self.assert_prearm_failure("are not sending tel")
+            self.delay_sim_time(1)
+            self.assert_prearm_failure("are not running")
             self.progress("Turning it back on")
             self.set_parameter("SIM_FTOWESC_POW", mask)
             self.wait_ready_to_arm()
 
             self.progress("Turning ESC=%u off (again)" % mot_id_to_kill)
             self.set_parameter("SIM_FTOWESC_POW", mask & ~(1 << mot_id_to_kill))
-            self.assert_prearm_failure("are not sending tel")
+            self.delay_sim_time(1)
+            self.assert_prearm_failure("are not running")
             self.progress("Turning it back on")
             self.set_parameter("SIM_FTOWESC_POW", mask)
             self.wait_ready_to_arm()
 
         self.progress("Turning all ESCs off")
         self.set_parameter("SIM_FTOWESC_POW", 0)
-        self.assert_prearm_failure("are not sending tel")
+        self.delay_sim_time(1)
+        self.assert_prearm_failure("are not running")
         self.progress("Turning them back on")
         self.set_parameter("SIM_FTOWESC_POW", mask)
         self.wait_ready_to_arm()