Key Takeaways
- Fram filters use part numbers like PH3506 or CH10110, and you can find cross references by entering that number into Fram's website or an automotive database.
- Cross references show you which Motorcraft, Purolator, Bosch, and other brand filters fit the same engine, even though the box looks different.
- Your vehicle's owner manual or the filter canister itself will tell you the correct Fram part number for your specific car, truck, or motorcycle.
- Not all filters with similar part numbers are identical — always verify the thread size and canister diameter before you buy, because a wrong fit can cause leaks or engine damage.
- If you cannot find your Fram number in a cross reference, your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size will get you to the right filter through any auto parts store.
Where to Find Your Fram Filter Part Number
The easiest place to start is the filter you already have in your vehicle. Unscrew the old filter and look at the label — the part number is printed clearly on the side or top. Fram numbers usually start with letters like PH, CH, or TH followed by four or five digits. Write down the complete number exactly as it appears.
If you do not have the old filter in front of you, your vehicle's owner manual will list the correct Fram part number in the maintenance section. You can also call a local auto parts store with your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size, and they will tell you the Fram number without you having to search.
Once you have the part number, you are ready to look it up in a cross reference. This is where you find out what other brands will fit.
Using Fram's Official Cross Reference
Fram publishes its own cross reference tool on its website. You enter your Fram part number into their search box, and the tool shows you equivalent filters from other brands. This is the most reliable source because Fram controls the data and updates it when products change.
The Fram website also lets you search by vehicle instead of by part number. You enter your year, make, and model, and Fram tells you which of its filters fit your engine. From there, you can see what other brands are cross-referenced to that same Fram filter.
Keep in mind that Fram owns several filter brands, including Motorcraft (the Ford brand) and some Prestone filters. When you cross reference a Fram filter, you may see other Fram-owned brands appear as equivalents.
Third-Party Cross Reference Databases
Several automotive websites maintain cross reference databases that are free to use. These sites pull data from multiple manufacturers and show you a wider range of brand options than Fram's own tool. Popular options include WIX (which owns many filter brands), Bosch, and general automotive reference sites.
When you use a third-party database, enter your Fram part number and the tool will show you filters from Purolator, Mobil 1, Fram, WIX, Bosch, and other brands that have the same specifications. This is useful if you want to compare prices or find a filter that is in stock at your local store.
The trade-off is that third-party databases sometimes have outdated information or incomplete listings. If you find a cross reference on a third-party site, it is worth double-checking the thread size and diameter against your old filter before you buy.
What to Verify Before You Buy a Cross-Referenced Filter
A cross reference tells you that two filters are designed to fit the same engine, but you should still check two measurements: the thread size (how the filter screws onto the engine) and the canister diameter (the width of the filter can itself). These are printed on the filter label and in the product description online.
If the thread size is wrong, the filter will not screw on at all. If the diameter is wrong, the filter may fit but could rub against the engine block or other parts, causing damage. Most filters in the same cross reference family have matching threads and diameters, but occasionally a manufacturer makes a variant that does not.
The safest approach is to compare your old filter's label directly against the new filter's label or product page before you pay. If the thread size and diameter match, the cross reference is reliable.
When a Cross Reference Is Not Available
If you cannot find your Fram part number in any cross reference database, do not assume the filter is obsolete. Fram discontinues some part numbers when they redesign a filter or when a vehicle model stops being made. In this case, go to an auto parts store with your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size.
The store's computer system will show you the current Fram filter that fits your vehicle, even if it is a newer part number than what you had before. From there, you can ask for a cross reference to other brands, or you can straightforward buy the new Fram number.
This approach also works if you have an older vehicle and the original part number is no longer in any database. The parts store will find the modern equivalent.
Cross References for Fram Specialty Filters
Fram makes filters beyond the standard spin-on canister type. The company produces cartridge filters (which you replace without unscrewing a can), panel filters (flat rectangular filters for cabin air), and filters for motorcycles and small engines. Each type has its own part numbering system and cross reference database.
If you are looking for a cross reference for a Fram cabin air filter or motorcycle filter, use the same process — find the part number on the old filter, then enter it into Fram's website or a third-party database. The cross reference will show you compatible filters from other brands in the same category.
Specialty filters are less likely to have cross references from many brands, because fewer manufacturers make them. You may find that only one or two other brands offer an equivalent, or that no cross reference exists at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cross-referenced filter from a different brand without damaging my engine?
Yes, if the thread size and canister diameter match your original Fram filter. Cross references exist because the filters are mechanically compatible. The only risk is if you buy a filter with the wrong measurements, which is why checking the label is important.
Is a cross-referenced filter the same quality as the original Fram?
Not necessarily. A cross reference means the filter fits your engine, not that it performs identically. Different brands use different materials and filter media. If quality is your priority, stick with the brand your vehicle's manual recommends, or read reviews of the cross-referenced brand before you buy.
What if the auto parts store says my Fram part number does not exist?
The part number may be discontinued or you may have written it down incorrectly. Bring your vehicle's year, make, and model to the store instead, and ask them to look up the correct current Fram filter. They can then cross reference that number to other brands.
Do I need to reset anything after installing a cross-referenced filter?
No. Oil filters do not have electronic sensors or settings. Once you screw on the new filter and fill the engine with oil, your vehicle will run normally. Some newer vehicles have oil-life monitors that track mileage, but these work the same way regardless of which brand filter you use.
Can I cross reference a Fram filter to a synthetic or high-mileage filter?
Yes. Fram makes synthetic and high-mileage versions of many of its filters, and these appear in cross references just like standard filters do. When you search for a cross reference, you may see multiple Fram options listed — some standard, some synthetic. All of them will fit your engine if the thread size and diameter match.