Multitask

It is not possible to just upgrade the software to go from 3.0 to 3.4 Most of the things you will see are more cosmetic, than functional.... so have them stay at 3.0 It might cost a few hundred dollars to get to 3.4, but then you would not get the automatic updates. Yes, in the long run it can be done, but if your dad needs your help, best to just stick with what he has. 8)

Doubt they will be back They were last here in 2019

I would (if you can) take a phone that does work fine, so they can see that the ford charging is ok. (or not) Also, you might want to talk to Apple about it , see what they 'can' do. This is also, so that Ford can't say it's Apple, and Apple can't say it's ford.... get your ducks in a row. 😎

I plug mine in, keeps it charged, and I can use the maps.

Ford Lincoln, GM, most of them will suffer the 3G dilema. Once the carriers disable 3G, there is only 4G and 5G

Ah, that... I don't think Ford cares anymore about those. As far as where, some server somewhere (of course) If you are using Ford Pass, I seem to remember that they don't go anywhere anymore that Ford cars about.

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/sync/getting-started-with-sync/how-do-i-remove-a-paired-device-from-sync/ This should get you started.... on another note, don't be surprised if you can't BT stream... BT back then did it different to todays BT

This might help with what you have... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Sync

Typically, when you do the 'update' one of the things towards the end is to upload the .xml file... that is what you are talking about ? If not, then I would not worry about it... I personally don't think that Ford or Lincoln care about it anymore

https://www.crutchfield.com/ A good place to look around... and you can call them..

Master Reset, like clearing cookies or your cache on a browser. You don't have to reinstall the OS after doing it

At this point, I would say take it to the dealer, let them diag it. The part that does the Bluetooth is the ACM (has radio and CD player in it) and is controled by the APIM. So it is really had to say what it is without 'looking' at it. Thus a recommend to the dealer (or a place you trust that does radios)

What was the reason you pulled the fuse in the first place.... also, what year and model is this?

Yes, and possibly no... it will depend on which one you buy and how it gets programed. I did the Sync 2 to Sync 3 on a 2013 and 2018 Fusions, and all the buttons still worked... but I did not program it. Dan did (person who does the programing) If you are on the F150 forums, you can ask and get a response from someone there that has done it.

On another note, if all that is not it and you have to replace a LOT of things, Card is over 100, APIM is 100-200. Might want to look into moving it to Sync 3 http://www.2gfusions.net/thread-3881.html This will guild you , yes it's for the fusions, but it's the same hardware. car-part.com to find used Sync 3 parts