What is maintenance mode?

smf(5) places the Configuration Agent in maintenance mode when it detects problems with starting or restarting the Agent. If smf(5) fails to start the Agent, it attempts multiple restarts until the Agent startup is successful or smf(5) decides that the Agent cannot be started. In the latter case, smf(5) places the Agent in maintenance mode to indicate to you that you need to address the problems it has encountered. Once you have addressed the problems, you can clear the smf(5) state of the Agent to return to normal operations.