diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/mwl8k.c b/drivers/net/wireless/mwl8k.c
index fc4d4a442139..a9c078899252 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/mwl8k.c
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/mwl8k.c
@@ -4531,6 +4531,8 @@ static int mwl8k_start(struct ieee80211_hw *hw)
 		priv->irq = -1;
 		tasklet_disable(&priv->poll_tx_task);
 		tasklet_disable(&priv->poll_rx_task);
+	} else {
+		ieee80211_wake_queues(hw);
 	}
 
 	return rc;