What a Wix cross reference number tells you
A Wix cross reference number is a tool that matches a Wix oil filter to filters made by other manufacturers. When you know your vehicle's original filter part number — from your owner's manual, a parts store lookup, or the filter currently on your engine — you can use that number to find the equivalent Wix filter without guessing or buying the wrong size.
Wix publishes cross reference charts that list their filter numbers alongside part numbers from Fram, Motorcraft, Purolator, AC Delco, and other brands. The cross reference works in both directions: you can start with a Wix number and find what other brands call the same filter, or start with another brand's number and find the Wix equivalent.
This matters because filters that look similar may have different thread sizes, bypass valve settings, or media capacity — all things that affect how your engine runs. A cross reference ensures you get a filter that fits your engine's specifications, not just your filter housing.
Key Takeaways
- Wix cross reference charts match Wix filter numbers to part numbers from Fram, Motorcraft, Purolator, AC Delco, and other manufacturers so you can find the right replacement.
- You can look up a cross reference using your vehicle's original filter number, your vehicle's year and make, or a Wix filter number you already have.
- Wix publishes cross reference data on their website, through parts retailers like RockAuto and Amazon, and in printed catalogs available from auto parts stores.
- Cross references are most reliable when you start with your vehicle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filter number rather than an aftermarket brand.
- If a cross reference shows multiple Wix options for one filter, the differences usually involve micron rating or bypass valve design, not fit.
How to find a Wix cross reference on the manufacturer's website
Wix maintains a searchable cross reference tool on their official website at wixfilters.com. The tool lets you enter a competitor's part number and returns the matching Wix filter number, along with vehicle applications and filter specifications.
To use it, navigate to the cross reference section, select "Oil Filters" from the product category menu, and enter the part number you are starting with in the search field. The tool accepts numbers from Fram, Motorcraft, Purolator, AC Delco, Bosch, and Champion. Results show the Wix equivalent, the vehicles it fits, and sometimes a link to the filter's technical data sheet.
The website tool is free and does not require registration. Results update as Wix releases new filter numbers or discontinues old ones, so it is more current than printed catalogs. If you cannot find a match, Wix customer service can be reached through the website contact form.
Using a Wix cross reference at a parts retailer
Most auto parts stores and online retailers carry Wix filters and can look up cross references at the counter or through their website search. RockAuto, Amazon, and AutoZone all display cross reference information on their product pages — usually in a "Fits" section or a "Cross Reference" tab.
When you search for a Wix filter number on these sites, the product page often lists what other brands' numbers fit the same process. Conversely, if you search for a Fram or Motorcraft number, some retailers will show compatible Wix options in a "Compare" or "Alternatives" section.
The advantage of using a retailer's cross reference is that you can when ready see price, availability, and shipping time for the Wix filter. The disadvantage is that not all retailers maintain complete cross reference data, so you may see fewer results than on Wix's own tool.
Starting with your vehicle's year, make, and model
If you do not have a part number but know your vehicle's year, make, and model, you can find the correct Wix filter by looking up your vehicle first, then cross referencing from there. Most auto parts retailers let you enter your vehicle information and show you the filters that fit, including Wix options.
Once you have identified the correct Wix filter for your vehicle, you can then use that Wix number to find equivalent filters from other brands if you want to compare prices or availability. This approach is slower than starting with a part number, but it is reliable if you have no other reference point.
Wix's website also includes a vehicle lookup tool. Enter your year, make, model, and engine size, and it returns the Wix filter numbers that fit, along with specifications and a list of cross references to other brands.
Understanding what the cross reference numbers mean
Wix filter numbers follow a pattern that tells you something about the filter's design. A typical Wix oil filter number looks like "51356" or "51356MP". The first digits identify the filter family, and letters at the end indicate variations like micron rating or bypass valve type.
When a cross reference shows multiple Wix numbers for a single competitor's filter, the difference is usually in the bypass valve opening pressure or the media's micron rating — how fine the filter mesh is. Both filters will fit your engine, but they filter slightly differently. Your vehicle's manual or the original filter's specifications will tell you which one is correct.
Cross references do not account for regional variations or discontinued part numbers. If a cross reference shows a Wix number that your local parts store says is out of stock, ask the store to check whether a newer Wix number replaces it. Wix publishes supersession lists for discontinued filters.
When a cross reference does not show a match
Occasionally a cross reference tool will not find a match for an older filter number or a filter from a very small manufacturer. This usually means the filter is discontinued, regional, or so old that Wix never published a cross reference for it.
If you hit a dead end, try searching for your vehicle's year, make, and model directly on Wix's website instead of starting with the part number. This tells you what Wix filter your vehicle should use, which you can then compare to your current filter's specifications to confirm it is the right size.
You can also contact Wix customer service with your vehicle's information and your current filter's part number. They can confirm whether a Wix equivalent exists and, if not, recommend the closest alternative.
Cross reference accuracy and limitations
Cross references are reliable for matching filters that perform the same function in the same vehicle. However, they assume both filters meet the same OEM specifications — thread size, bypass valve pressure, and media type. If you are switching from an OEM filter to an aftermarket brand and then to Wix, the cross reference chain can drift slightly.
The most accurate cross references start with your vehicle's original equipment filter number, not with an aftermarket brand you may have used before. If you have only used aftermarket filters, look up your vehicle's year and make on Wix's site to find the OEM-equivalent filter, then use that as your reference point.
Cross references also do not account for special applications like high-mileage engines, synthetic oil use, or extreme climates. Your vehicle's manual takes priority over a cross reference if the two conflict. When in doubt, confirm the filter's specifications match your manual before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Wix filter if my car originally came with a Fram filter?
Yes, as long as the Wix filter's specifications match your vehicle's requirements. A cross reference confirms that both filters have the same thread size, bypass valve pressure, and micron rating. Check your vehicle's manual to confirm the specifications, then verify the Wix filter matches before installing it.
What if two different Wix numbers show up in a cross reference for the same filter?
The two Wix numbers usually differ in bypass valve pressure or media micron rating, not in fit. Your vehicle's manual or the original filter's data sheet will specify which one is correct. If you cannot find that information, contact Wix customer service with your vehicle's year, make, and model.
Do I need to use the exact Wix number the cross reference shows, or can I use a similar one?
You should use the exact number the cross reference shows. Using a similar but different Wix number risks installing a filter with the wrong bypass valve pressure or media rating, which can affect engine protection and oil flow. If the exact number is unavailable, ask the retailer or Wix whether a supersession number exists.
Is a Wix cross reference the same as a Wix filter interchange chart?
Yes, they are the same thing. "Cross reference," "interchange," and "equivalency chart" all describe the same tool — a list that matches one brand's filter number to another brand's number for the same process.
Can I cross reference a Wix filter to find a cheaper alternative?
Yes. Use Wix's cross reference tool to find what Fram, Purolator, or other brands call the same filter, then compare prices at different retailers. All filters in the cross reference should meet the same specifications, so the cheaper option is not lower quality — just a different brand.