diff --git a/drivers/net/e1000/e1000_main.c b/drivers/net/e1000/e1000_main.c
index b06b51a..8c4924f 100644
--- a/drivers/net/e1000/e1000_main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/e1000/e1000_main.c
@@ -556,7 +556,8 @@
 
 	clear_bit(__E1000_DOWN, &adapter->flags);
 
-	mod_timer(&adapter->watchdog_timer, jiffies + 2 * HZ);
+	/* fire a link change interrupt to start the watchdog */
+	E1000_WRITE_REG(&adapter->hw, ICS, E1000_ICS_LSC);
 	return 0;
 }