diff --git a/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py b/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
index 09dc7fa85..fadf60c93 100644
--- a/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
@@ -94,9 +94,9 @@ def fingerprint(logcan, sendcan, has_relay):
   done = False
 
   if params.get("DragonCacheCar", encoding='utf8') == "1" and params.get("DragonCachedFP", encoding='utf8') != "" and params.get("DragonCachedModel", encoding='utf8') != "":
-    car_fingerprint = pickle.loads(params.get("DragonCachedModel", encoding='utf8'))
-    finger = pickle.loads(params.get("DragonCachedFP", encoding='utf8'))
-    vin = pickle.loads(params.get("DragonCachedVIN", encoding='utf8'))
+    car_fingerprint = pickle.loads(params.get("DragonCachedModel"))
+    finger = pickle.loads(params.get("DragonCachedFP"))
+    vin = pickle.loads(params.get("DragonCachedVIN"))
     done = True
 
   while not done:
diff --git a/selfdrive/car/honda/carcontroller.py b/selfdrive/car/honda/carcontroller.py
index 76f4fbbe7..59ae644ce 100644
--- a/selfdrive/car/honda/carcontroller.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/honda/carcontroller.py
@@ -194,10 +194,11 @@ class CarController():
           gasPressed = CS.pedal_gas > 0
         else:
           gasPressed = CS.user_gas_pressed
+        dragon_apply_brake = apply_brake
         if self.dragon_allow_gas and gasPressed:
-          apply_brake = 0
+          dragon_apply_brake = 0
           apply_gas = 0
-        can_sends.append(hondacan.create_brake_command(self.packer, apply_brake, pump_on,
+        can_sends.append(hondacan.create_brake_command(self.packer, dragon_apply_brake, pump_on,
           pcm_override, pcm_cancel_cmd, hud.fcw, idx, CS.CP.carFingerprint, CS.CP.isPandaBlack))
         self.apply_brake_last = apply_brake