Q: fuel filter

Hello. We will be happy to assist you. There are are a few things that I recommend a technician inspect. Fuel should have been inside the filter once you removed it. A test must be done to see if the fuel is reaching the fuel filter. If not there may be something such as a bad fuel pump, clogged fuel line, bad fuel pump relay, bad crank/cam position sensor, or faulty wiring. Be aware that the wire bundle near the battery is known to get coated with diesel blow-by and cause short circuiting. You are able to find a technician an schedule an appointment to diagnose your vehicle here https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection