The AP’s bootloader is still set to lightweight mode.
AP# show dot11 associations AP# show int d0 (Radio 0 - 2.4GHz) AP# show int d1 (Radio 1 - 5GHz) Both radios should show "up/up". If a radio shows "administratively down," you likely have a regulatory domain mismatch (e.g., flashing a -A domain file onto an -E domain AP). The most common failure is the "Studying CAPWAP" loop. You uploaded the autonomous TAR, but the AP keeps looking for a Wireless LAN Controller. Ap3g2-k9w7-tar.153-3.jbb1.tar WORK
AP# show version Look for: Cisco IOS Software, ap3g2 Software (ap3g2-k9w7-mx), Version 15.3(3)JBB1 The AP’s bootloader is still set to lightweight mode