diff --git a/src/pint/models/stand_alone_psr_binaries/BT_piecewise.py b/src/pint/models/stand_alone_psr_binaries/BT_piecewise.py
index 3856a51ab..46247830a 100644
--- a/src/pint/models/stand_alone_psr_binaries/BT_piecewise.py
+++ b/src/pint/models/stand_alone_psr_binaries/BT_piecewise.py
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ def setup_internal_structures(self, valDict=None):
 
             # Uses the index for each toa array to create arrays where elements are the A1X/T0X to use with that toa
             if len(self.piecewise_parameter_information) > 0:
-                if self._t:
+                if hasattr(self,'_t'):
                     self.group_index_array = self.toa_belongs_in_group(self._t)
 
                     (
diff --git a/tests/test_BT_piecewise.py b/tests/test_BT_piecewise.py
index 95c145d0f..8ad28edc8 100644
--- a/tests/test_BT_piecewise.py
+++ b/tests/test_BT_piecewise.py
@@ -500,7 +500,6 @@ def test_d_delay_in_groups_respond_to_changes_in_corresponding_piecewise_paramet
     are_toas_referencing_paramX = np.isclose(
         (paramX_per_toa.value - test_val[0]), 0, atol=1e-6, rtol=0
     )
-    print(are_toas_referencing_paramX)
 
     is_d_delay_changing = np.invert(
         np.isclose(