On these cars, if you change the fuel filter you WILL need to manually re-prime the fuel system, otherwise the car will NOT start on its own.
Easiest way to do this is (especially if on your own) is with a "Hand Vaccum Pump Tester/Bleeder" (or a MityVac, if you want a more expensive one).
See images attached for a cheap ebay version.
1) Disconnect the GREEN "fuel return" connector
2) Connect some rubber piping to the green connector.
3) Other end of rubber piping connects to inlet of collection jar.
4) Then connect another rubber pipe from outlet of collection jar, to the handpump.
5) Squeeze the trigger to build up a vaccum and watch fuel get sucked through the CLEAR fuel pipes and eventually into your collection jar.
6) Now start the car, and it should start.
The collection jar will fill up pretty quick once started, so be PREPARED to turn the engine off quickly when the jar fills. (have towels all over the engine bay)
Now when re-connecting the green Return line back to its original connector, do it as quickly possible. You will spill a bit of fuel here so make sure there are towels ready to catch the spills
Below image is from a MK3 Ford Focus with a newer variant of the engine, but is still very similar to old 2.0 TDCI.
