diff --git a/IO_EXFastclock.h b/IO_EXFastclock.h
index 5ed237e3..11aaea79 100644
--- a/IO_EXFastclock.h
+++ b/IO_EXFastclock.h
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ static void create(I2CAddress i2cAddress) {
   // Start by assuming we will find the clock
   // Check if specified I2C address is responding (blocking operation)
   // Returns I2C_STATUS_OK (0) if OK, or error code.
+  I2CManager.begin();
   uint8_t _checkforclock = I2CManager.checkAddress(i2cAddress);
   DIAG(F("Clock check result - %d"), _checkforclock);
   // XXXX change thistosave2 bytes
diff --git a/version.h b/version.h
index 0677dec3..443475bb 100644
--- a/version.h
+++ b/version.h
@@ -3,7 +3,8 @@
 
 #include "StringFormatter.h"
 
-#define VERSION "5.2.52"
+#define VERSION "5.2.53"
+// 5.2.53 - Bugfix for EX-Fastclock, call I2CManager.begin() before checking I2C address 
 // 5.2.52 - Bugfix for ADCee() to handle ADC2 and ADC3 channel inputs on F446ZE and others
 //        - Add support for ports G and H on STM32 for ADCee() and MotorDriver pins/shadow regs 
 // 5.2.51 - Bugfix for SIGNAL: Distinguish between sighandle and sigid