Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) MCP Server

--- title: Troubleshooting description: Solutions to common issues with FRED MCP Server icon: 'wrench' --- # Troubleshooting Guide Solutions to common problems when using the FRED MCP Server. ## Authentication Issues ### API Key Not Found **Symptoms:** "Bad Request. The value for variable api_key is not registered." **Solutions:** <Steps> <Step title="Verify API Key"> Check that your API key is exactly 32 characters </Step> <Step title="Check Environment Variable"> Ensure `FRED_API_KEY` is set correctly </Step> <Step title="Restart Server"> Restart the MCP server after config changes </Step> <Step title="Test Key"> Try the key directly in a browser: ``` https://api.stlouisfed.org/fred/series?series_id=GDP&api_key=YOUR_KEY ``` </Step> </Steps> ## Rate Limiting ### Too Many Requests (429) **Symptoms:** "Too many requests" error **Solutions:** - Wait 60 seconds before retrying - Reduce request frequency - Use date ranges to limit data - Plan queries to avoid redundant requests ## Data Issues ### Series Not Found (404) **Symptoms:** "Bad Request. The series does not exist." **Solutions:** - Verify series ID spelling - Check if series has been discontinued - Search for alternative series - Use `fred_search` to find correct ID ### Empty Results **Symptoms:** No data returned **Solutions:** - Check date range is valid - Verify series has data for requested period - Try broader date range - Check if series is vintage/discontinued ## Connection Issues ### Server Won't Start **Symptoms:** MCP server fails to launch **Solutions:** <AccordionGroup> <Accordion title="Check Node.js"> Ensure Node.js v16+ is installed: ```bash node --version ``` </Accordion> <Accordion title="Reinstall Package"> ```bash npm uninstall -g fred-mcp-server npm install -g fred-mcp-server ``` </Accordion> <Accordion title="Check Permissions"> Ensure execute permissions: ```bash chmod +x $(which fred-mcp-server) ``` </Accordion> <Accordion title="Review Logs"> Check error messages in console output </Accordion> </AccordionGroup> ## Performance Issues ### Slow Requests **Symptoms:** Requests take too long **Solutions:** - Limit date ranges - Reduce result limits - Use specific series IDs - Plan queries to minimize API calls ## Getting Help <CardGroup cols={2}> <Card title="GitHub Issues" icon="github" href="https://github.com/stefanoamorelli/fred-mcp-server/issues"> Report bugs and request features </Card> <Card title="FRED API Docs" icon="book" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/docs/api/"> Official FRED API documentation </Card> <Card title="FAQ" icon="circle-question" href="/resources/faq"> Frequently asked questions </Card> <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear" href="/configuration"> Setup guide </Card> </CardGroup>