krisp1

What age and specification is your car? I did not think Octavia Mk1 has CANBUS wiring. Single wire mode refers to CANBUS operation in my mind. Also post has been flagged with Amundsen-help. Definitely not fitted to Mk1

I cannot see any reference to using VCDS to bleed the brakes in the Skoda workshop manuals. If the ABS unit has been removed and drained, the valves within need actuation to bleed effectively, otherwise pressure bleeding is effective and is referred to in the Skoda manuals.

The ABS can need activating on some cars to bleed the brakes, not turning off. Bleeding the master cylinder is important, I had almost no brakes until I bled the master cylinder. Start by bleeding master cylinder then all four wheels.

Check your master cylinder, most have bleed nipples on them. Bleed the master cylinder as well. While you are at it bleed the front. I was not aware of the bleed nipples and found them with a bleeding problem.

Something strange going on. Especially given the Octavia is not sold in the USA. I suggest try again another day. In the past I have managed to download the 1.2 engine section. PM me and I will email it to you.

Try again, I have just managed to get to it again. I am in the UK and do not have a VPN.

https://cardiagn.com/skoda-octavia-iii-1-2l-1-4l-1-6l-1-8l-2013-2017-service-repair-manual-wiring/ The website can be a bit troublesome, if you manage to get access it contains the Skoda workshop manual sections, although printing and downloading is not allowed. As you can see below they are genuine Skoda.

I suggest you repost in the Mk2 Octavia section. Mk1 do not have DSG gearboxes.

The clutch and brake hydraulics are a common reservoir. It is a simple case of opening the bleed nipple. If they think it is difficult go and talk to someone else, Their comment suggests a lack of competence. I changed both when I had my Mk 11.

Changing from a diesel to a petrol engine is a non starter. You have to change total running gear, fuel tank, ECUs wiring loom, instrument panel. Sell the car and buy what you want. Your friend has no idea about the size of the issue.

Burning petrol or diesel creates water. Water vapour is a normal part of the exhaust.

2004 has a pedal mounted switch. 2010 is a hall effect on master cylinder as I said above.

From 2006 the handbrake switch is a hall effect sensor mounted underneath the master cylinder. It is very unlikely to be the cause of a flashing glow plug light.

A VW specialist is unlikely to split a gearbox to resolve a leak. You need to find a gearbox specialist to split it and check it over for other issues as well.

Interestingly the Skoda brochure quotes 150bhp, although it is 110Kw, which as you say is 147bhp or 150ps. I know the road tax is painful, I only did about 1000 miles in my 1.8T L & K in the last year, as a second car.