diff --git a/enterprise/pulsar.py b/enterprise/pulsar.py
index e44edc68..cdee2ce4 100644
--- a/enterprise/pulsar.py
+++ b/enterprise/pulsar.py
@@ -633,7 +633,7 @@ def __init__(self, obs_times_mjd, elong=None, elat=None, raj=None,
         self._toaerrs = np.ones_like(obs_times_mjd) * toaerrs
 
         self._designmatrix, self.fitpars = utils.create_spindown_timing_model(
-                self._toas, order=spindown_order=2)
+                self._toas, order=spindown_order)
         self._ssbfreqs = np.ones_like(self._toas) * ssbfreqs / 1e6
         self._telescope = telescope