diff --git a/api/src/opentrons/protocol_engine/state/modules.py b/api/src/opentrons/protocol_engine/state/modules.py
index 76d7a084b42..2717f2a6984 100644
--- a/api/src/opentrons/protocol_engine/state/modules.py
+++ b/api/src/opentrons/protocol_engine/state/modules.py
@@ -1198,7 +1198,10 @@ def select_hardware_module_to_load(  # noqa: C901
                     else:
                         return m
 
-        raise errors.ModuleNotAttachedError(f"No available {model.value} found.")
+        raise errors.ModuleNotAttachedError(
+            f"No available {model.value} with {expected_serial_number or 'any'}"
+            " serial found."
+        )
 
     def get_heater_shaker_movement_restrictors(
         self,