diff --git a/src/OMSimulatorPython/instantiated_model.py b/src/OMSimulatorPython/instantiated_model.py
index 1a9c1d4bb..372048c2a 100644
--- a/src/OMSimulatorPython/instantiated_model.py
+++ b/src/OMSimulatorPython/instantiated_model.py
@@ -351,7 +351,7 @@ def setStartValues(self, value: Values, systemName: str, ssm: SSM | None):
       raise KeyError(f"Missing required key: '{systemName}'")
 
     ## apply ssm mapping if exist and apply start values from mapped parameters
-    if ssm and ssm.mappingEntry:
+    if ssm is not None:
       for source, targets in ssm.mappingEntry.items():
         if CRef(source) in value.start_values:
           (source_value, type, _, _) = value.start_values[CRef(source)]