diff --git a/lib/jnpr/junos/transport/tty.py b/lib/jnpr/junos/transport/tty.py
index b356ee61e..9fce52f0a 100644
--- a/lib/jnpr/junos/transport/tty.py
+++ b/lib/jnpr/junos/transport/tty.py
@@ -207,6 +207,7 @@ def _ev_bad_passwd():
             self.write("\n")
             self._badpasswd += 1
             if self._badpasswd == 2:
+                self._tty_close()
                 # raise RuntimeError("Bad username/password")
                 raise EzErrors.ConnectAuthError(self, "Bad username/password")
             # return through and try again ... could have been