
Ajax 503 error
Today I got a problem when working with client website that is hosted with dreamhost.com. There is an Ajax function that did not work as it should do. With the help of firebug I’m able to see that this Ajax is trying to POST data and somehow the server reject its request then return 503 error.
I spent a few hours checking my codes and trying some possibilities. It was a waste of time, none of them provide solusion. So I try google. After a few minutes I got my search term “dreamhost ajax 503 error htaccess” show better search result. It lead me to askapache.com’s page that explain how to turn off mod_security. This mod_security is enabled in dreamhost servers and this is why the Ajax POST was always rejected.
Here is a quick fix. You will need to add the following lines in .htaccess file.
1 2 | SecFilterEngine Off SecFilterScanPOST Off |
The first line is to disable the mod_security. The second line is to disable POST scan, but it might be not necessary as you have disable it with the first line.
I can’t believe I have spent so much time to figure this simple answer …

hi, this code is better but when u add to your .htaccess file, pls change { by
{IfModule mod_security.c}
SecFilterEngine Off
SecFilterScanPOST Off
{/IfModule}
Nguyen, yes that’s better. Checking whenever the mod_security enabled is recommended.
Thank you!
Wow that’s weird, I had the same php error my website! I finally fixed it though