pod-pending-debug

Diagnose Kubernetes pod scheduling failures from kubectl describe pod events.

225|28|Updated Mar 2, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/scitix/siclaw --skill pod-pending-debug
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pod-pending-debug
Source: https://github.com/scitix/siclaw/tree/main/skills/core/pod-pending-debug
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/scitix/siclaw --skill pod-pending-debug

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps diagnose and understand why a Kubernetes pod is stuck in a Pending state, preventing it from being scheduled onto a node.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Event Analysis: Parses kubectl describe pod events to pinpoint FailedScheduling reasons.
  • Resource & Taint Checks: Verifies node resources, taints, affinity rules, and PVC bindings against pod requirements.
  • Use Case: When a new microservice deployment fails to start, this Skill quickly identifies if it's due to insufficient cluster resources, incorrect node selectors, or unmet PVC dependencies.

Quick Start

Use the pod-pending-debug skill to diagnose why the pod named 'my-app-pod' in the 'development' namespace is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions about pod-pending-debug

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
Why does my Kubernetes pod stay in Pending status?

Kubernetes pods remain Pending due to scheduling failures like insufficient node resources, affinity mismatches, taint conflicts, or unbound PVCs. This skill diagnoses these exact failures by analyzing pod events and node constraints to pinpoint the specific scheduling block.

How do I debug a Kubernetes pod FailedScheduling event?

Debug a FailedScheduling event by parsing `kubectl describe pod` output to verify node resources, taints, and PVC bindings. This skill analyzes those events and checks cluster node conditions against your pod requirements to identify the scheduling failure.

What causes a pod to remain Pending when deploying to Kubernetes?

Pods remain Pending when cluster resources are insufficient or pod constraints cannot be met. This skill checks for insufficient resources, incorrect node selectors, affinity rule mismatches, taint/toleration conflicts, and unmet persistent volume claim dependencies.

Does this diagnostic approach work for pods stuck Pending due to unbound PVCs?

Yes, this skill diagnoses Pending pods caused by unbound persistent volume claims. It verifies PVC bindings alongside node resources, taints, and affinity rules to determine if storage dependencies are preventing successful pod scheduling.

How do I check if node taints are preventing my pod from scheduling?

Check node taints by comparing them against your pod's tolerations using `kubectl describe pod` events. This skill evaluates taint/toleration conflicts alongside affinity rules and resource limits to identify why the scheduler rejects your pod.