diff --git a/drivers/watchdog/sp5100_tco.c b/drivers/watchdog/sp5100_tco.c
index 4afc468d8ed1..1e327fb1ad20 100644
--- a/drivers/watchdog/sp5100_tco.c
+++ b/drivers/watchdog/sp5100_tco.c
@@ -108,6 +108,10 @@ static int tco_timer_start(struct watchdog_device *wdd)
 	val |= SP5100_WDT_START_STOP_BIT;
 	writel(val, SP5100_WDT_CONTROL(tco->tcobase));
 
+	/* This must be a distinct write. */
+	val |= SP5100_WDT_TRIGGER_BIT;
+	writel(val, SP5100_WDT_CONTROL(tco->tcobase));
+
 	return 0;
 }