diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c
index 23f1500928cb..79817d4ffa47 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c
@@ -1871,6 +1871,15 @@ static int rtl_set_coalesce(struct net_device *dev, struct ethtool_coalesce *ec)
 
 	RTL_W16(tp, IntrMitigate, w);
 
+	/* Meaning of PktCntrDisable bit changed from RTL8168e-vl */
+	if (rtl_is_8168evl_up(tp)) {
+		if (!rx_fr && !tx_fr)
+			/* disable packet counter */
+			tp->cp_cmd |= PktCntrDisable;
+		else
+			tp->cp_cmd &= ~PktCntrDisable;
+	}
+
 	tp->cp_cmd = (tp->cp_cmd & ~INTT_MASK) | cp01;
 	RTL_W16(tp, CPlusCmd, tp->cp_cmd);
 	rtl_pci_commit(tp);