diff --git a/code/game/mecha/mecha.dm b/code/game/mecha/mecha.dm
index 7e0101b891e..d01f8fd856b 100644
--- a/code/game/mecha/mecha.dm
+++ b/code/game/mecha/mecha.dm
@@ -840,6 +840,9 @@
 	if(repairing)
 		to_chat(user, "<span class='notice'>[src] is currently being repaired!</span>")
 		return
+	if(state == 0) // If maint protocols are not active, the state is zero
+		to_chat(user, "<span class='warning'>[src] can not be repaired without maintenance protocols active!</span>")
+		return
 	WELDER_ATTEMPT_REPAIR_MESSAGE
 	repairing = TRUE
 	if(I.use_tool(src, user, 15, volume = I.tool_volume))