diff --git a/hw/xfree86/modes/xf86Crtc.c b/hw/xfree86/modes/xf86Crtc.c
index 585f84d81..51fe1152e 100644
--- a/hw/xfree86/modes/xf86Crtc.c
+++ b/hw/xfree86/modes/xf86Crtc.c
@@ -278,7 +278,6 @@ xf86CrtcSetModeTransform (xf86CrtcPtr crtc, DisplayModePtr mode, Rotation rotati
 
     adjusted_mode = xf86DuplicateMode(mode);
 
-    didLock = crtc->funcs->lock (crtc);
 
     saved_mode = crtc->mode;
     saved_x = crtc->x;
@@ -308,6 +307,7 @@ xf86CrtcSetModeTransform (xf86CrtcPtr crtc, DisplayModePtr mode, Rotation rotati
 	goto done;
     }
 
+    didLock = crtc->funcs->lock (crtc);
     /* Pass our mode to the outputs and the CRTC to give them a chance to
      * adjust it according to limitations or output properties, and also
      * a chance to reject the mode entirely.