Abstract: A method and system for avoiding communication failure in CDMA systems. The method system achieve their objects as follows. At least one CDMA carrier acquisition failure is detected. Channel acquisition procedures are adjusted such that the at least one CDMA carrier for which acquisition failed is no longer considered a viable channel. Channel acquisition failure detection can include storing the identity of the at least one CDMA carrier for which acquisition failed. Adjustment of channel acquisition procedures can include removing the at least one CDMA carrier for which acquisition failed from the list of carriers considered active. Adjustment of channel acquisition procedures can also include allowing CDMA carrier selection as if the detection of at least one CDMA carrier acquisition failure had not occurred, and, if the CDMA carrier selected is the at least one CDMA carrier for which acquisition failed, substituting another CDMA carrier in place of the CDMA carrier selected.