diff --git a/lib/ace/ext/language_tools.js b/lib/ace/ext/language_tools.js
index 0e12e4df..d0d31a01 100644
--- a/lib/ace/ext/language_tools.js
+++ b/lib/ace/ext/language_tools.js
@@ -143,10 +143,12 @@ var onChangeAutocomplete = function(e, editor) {
     // The prefix to autocomplete for
     var prefix = util.retrievePrecedingIdentifier(line, pos.column);
 
+    var hasCompleter = (editor.completer && editor.completer.activated);
+
     // Only autocomplete if there's a prefix that can be matched
-    if(prefix !== '') {
+    if(prefix !== '' && !(hasCompleter)) {
         Autocomplete.startCommand.exec(editor);
-    } else if(editor.completer && editor.completer.activated) {
+    } else if(prefix === '' && hasCompleter) {
         // When the prefix is empty
         // close the autocomplete dialog
         editor.completer.detach();