What a FRAM filter cross reference does
A FRAM filter cross reference is a tool that matches a FRAM filter part number to the filter your vehicle actually needs. FRAM makes filters under several brand names — FRAM itself, Motorcraft (for Ford vehicles), Mopar (for Chrysler vehicles), and others — so the same physical filter often has multiple part numbers depending on which brand name is on the box. A cross reference tells you which FRAM part number corresponds to the original filter your car came with, or to a competitor's filter you might already have.
The reason you need this: if you walk into a parts store and say "I need an oil filter," the staff will ask for your vehicle's year, make, and model. They'll look up what filter came on your car from the factory. But if you already know your car takes a Motorcraft FL-400, or you found a Purolator PL14610, or you're switching from Mobil 1 to FRAM, you need to know which FRAM part number matches. That's what a cross reference does — it translates between different naming systems so you get the right filter the first time.
Key Takeaways
- FRAM sells the same filter under different brand names (FRAM, Motorcraft, Mopar), so one physical filter has multiple part numbers.
- The FRAM website and most auto parts retailers have free cross reference tools that match your vehicle's year, make, and model to a FRAM part number.
- You can also cross reference by entering your current filter's part number to find the FRAM equivalent, which is useful if you're switching brands.
- Cross referencing by vehicle information is more reliable than guessing, because the same model year can have different filters depending on engine size or transmission type.
Using FRAM's official cross reference tool
FRAM maintains a cross reference database on their website at fram.com. Go to the "Find a Filter" or "Filter Finder" section (the exact name changes, but it's always on the homepage). You'll enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size if prompted. The tool returns the correct FRAM part number, plus the part numbers for Motorcraft, Mopar, or other brands that fit the same vehicle.
This method works best if you know your vehicle's exact specifications. If you're unsure about engine size, check your owner's manual, look at the sticker inside your driver's door jamb, or search your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on a site like edmunds.com or cars.com, which will decode it for you. The VIN is the most reliable way to confirm engine type, because two 2015 Honda Civics might have different engines depending on trim level.
FRAM's tool also shows you the filter's price, where to buy it, and sometimes a photo so you can confirm the size and shape match what you expect. Some retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts have their own cross reference tools built into their websites, and they often let you search by part number too.
Cross referencing from a competitor's part number
If you already have a filter from another brand — say you're looking at a Purolator, Mobil 1, or Bosch filter — you can find the FRAM equivalent by searching that part number in FRAM's database or in a retailer's cross reference tool. Enter the competitor's part number in the search box, and the tool will show you which FRAM part number is the match.
This is useful if you found a good price on a competitor's filter and want to compare it to FRAM's price, or if you're switching brands and want to make sure you're getting the same filtration level. Keep in mind that "equivalent" means the filter fits your vehicle and has similar filtration ratings, but it doesn't mean the filters are identical inside. Different brands use different media and construction, so performance can vary even when part numbers cross reference to each other.
Why the same filter has multiple part numbers
FRAM owns several filter brands, and they often put the same filter in boxes with different labels depending on which brand the retailer ordered. A Motorcraft FL-400 and a FRAM PH3506 might be physically identical filters made in the same factory, but they have different part numbers because one is sold under the Motorcraft brand (mainly at Ford dealerships) and one under the FRAM brand (at general auto parts stores).
This happens because car manufacturers like Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors have their own parts divisions — Motorcraft, Mopar, and ACDelco — and they prefer to sell filters under their own brand names at their dealerships. FRAM supplies the filters but doesn't put the FRAM name on the box. For you, this means the cheapest option might be the FRAM version at an independent parts store, or it might be the Motorcraft version at a Ford dealer, depending on what's on sale that week.
What to do if you can't find your vehicle in the tool
If you enter your vehicle's information and the tool returns no results, double-check the year, make, and model. A common mistake is entering the model year (the year printed on your registration) instead of the production year (the year the car was actually built). A 2024 model year car might have been built in late 2023, and FRAM's database might list it under 2023.
If you've confirmed the year and still get no results, try searching by your vehicle's VIN instead. Most cross reference tools have a VIN search option. If that doesn't work, call a FRAM customer service line or visit a local auto parts store — the staff can look it up manually using their own database, which is sometimes more complete than the online tool.
Confirming the filter size and type before you buy
Once you have a FRAM part number, confirm it's the right filter by checking the physical dimensions and thread size. The part number alone doesn't tell you whether the filter is a spin-on (the kind you screw onto the engine) or a cartridge (the kind that slides into a housing). Your vehicle uses one or the other, and buying the wrong type means you can't install it.
The product page for the part number will show you a photo and list the dimensions. Compare it to your current filter if you still have it, or check your owner's manual for the filter type. If the photo looks different from what you expected — for example, if it's much larger or smaller — go back and re-check your vehicle information. A wrong cross reference usually means you entered the wrong year or engine size, not that the tool is broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cross reference to buy a filter online and pick it up at a store?
Yes. Once you have the FRAM part number, you can search it on any retailer's website — AutoZone, O'Reilly, Walmart, Amazon — and order it for pickup or delivery. The part number is universal, so a FRAM PH3506 is the same filter no matter where you buy it. Check the price at a few stores, because filters often go on sale and the same part number can vary by $5 or $10 between retailers.
Is a FRAM filter the same quality as a Motorcraft or Mopar filter if they cross reference to each other?
Not necessarily. Cross reference means the filter fits your vehicle and has similar basic specs, but different brands use different filter media and construction. A FRAM and a Motorcraft with the same cross reference might filter equally well, or one might last longer or flow better — it depends on the specific product line. Read reviews for the exact part number you're buying, not just the brand.
What if my vehicle has two different engine options and I'm not sure which one I have?
Check your owner's manual or the sticker on the inside of your driver's door jamb — it lists engine displacement (like "2.0L" or "3.5L"). If you can't find that, search your VIN on edmunds.com or cars.com, and it will decode your exact engine. Never guess, because the wrong engine size usually means the wrong filter.
Can I cross reference a filter I bought five years ago to find the current FRAM equivalent?
Yes, but the current equivalent might have a different part number. FRAM updates part numbers periodically as they redesign filters or change suppliers. Search your old part number in the cross reference tool — it will show you what FRAM currently recommends for your vehicle. The new part number might be slightly different, but it should fit the same way.