diff --git a/server/states/IdleState.js b/server/states/IdleState.js
index 50c32a0..890b7f6 100644
--- a/server/states/IdleState.js
+++ b/server/states/IdleState.js
@@ -14,8 +14,17 @@ export class IdleState extends BaseState {
 
   async *act() {
     // Periodic fuel check while idle (no scanning — avoids rotating turtle)
+    // Errors are caught here so they don't bubble up and trigger
+    // the _runStateLoop retry mechanism (which would create an
+    // infinite idle→timeout→idle loop).
     while (!this.cancelled) {
-      await this.checkFuel();
+      try {
+        await this.checkFuel();
+      } catch (e) {
+        // Fuel check failed (likely command timeout) — not critical in idle
+        // Just wait longer before trying again
+        await this._sleep(30000);
+      }
       yield;
       await this._sleep(10000);
     }