DeepSeek rate limited or server overloaded?

DeepSeek documents different fixes for 402 insufficient balance, 429 rate limit reached, 500 server error, and 503 server overloaded. Reading the code first prevents a useless retry loop.

Preserve first: Before retrying, save the exact DeepSeek error code, response body, and request timestamp. Separate insufficient balance (402), rate limiting (429), service errors (500/503), and a length-truncated answer; each calls for a different next step.

Match the failure before retrying.

402 insufficient balance

Top up or use another available provider. Waiting does not restore an exhausted balance.

429 rate limit reached

Requests are arriving too quickly or concurrency is too high. Pace requests rather than resending immediately.

500 or 503 service failure

Wait briefly and retry once. A server overload is not a reason to rewrite your project or credentials.

finish_reason is length

The response may be cut off because max tokens or total context was exceeded. Start from a smaller packet.

Safe recovery path.

Record the HTTP code, provider mode, model, and whether any partial response or file change completed.

Capture git status, git diff, changed files, and verification output before switching providers.

Apply the code-specific fix: balance for 402, pacing for 429, brief wait for 500 or 503, smaller context for length.

Retry one bounded action or move the packet to another supported tool without re-reading the entire repo.

What the next AI should receive.

DeepSeek endpoint and model, exact HTTP/error code, request timestamp and ID if present, finish_reason if returned, any project diff created by an agent, retries already made, and the smallest next check.

How ShardStitch works with DeepSeek.

ShardStitch preserves the coding state independently of the DeepSeek request. It can hand the same verified packet to DeepSeek after recovery or to another target while keeping failed attempts and unverified claims clearly labeled.

Source trail.

The DeepSeek error-code, rate-limit, and chat-completion references linked below describe different request and response conditions. Match the returned code or finish_reason before applying the corresponding step; do not infer a quota reset from a server error.

FAQ.

Does waiting fix a DeepSeek 402 insufficient-balance response?

No. The guide distinguishes balance exhaustion from a temporary request limit. Check the account balance or permitted provider option instead of retrying the same request.

Should a DeepSeek 503 be retried in a tight loop?

No. Preserve the response, wait briefly, and make one controlled retry if the task state is safe. Do not repeat a coding-agent task before inspecting its local diff.

Does reducing the handoff fix every DeepSeek limit?

No. Smaller context may help when the response indicates a length/context limit; it does not restore account balance or necessarily resolve a rate-limit or service error.

Scope note: This page distinguishes the DeepSeek API conditions listed in its linked documentation. Codes, limits, and behavior may change; check the current provider response and docs before retrying.