What a Wix cross reference chart does and why you need one

A Wix cross reference chart matches Wix filter part numbers to the filters they replace from other manufacturers — Fram, Motorcraft, Purolator, AC Delco, and others. When you know your vehicle's original filter brand but want to use a Wix filter instead, or when you have a Wix part number and need to know what it replaces, the chart tells you which numbers correspond to each other.

The chart exists because the same physical filter often carries different part numbers depending on who made it. A filter that fits your 2015 Honda Civic might be labeled as Fram PH8A, Wix 51515, and Motorcraft FL-400S — all three are the same filter in different packaging. Without a cross reference, you might buy the wrong part or waste time calling stores to confirm compatibility.

Wix publishes these charts in several formats: a searchable database on their website, downloadable PDF files organized by vehicle year and make, and printed guides sold at some auto parts retailers. The online version is the fastest route if you already know your vehicle's original filter number or your engine size.

Key Takeaways

  • Wix cross reference charts match Wix part numbers to filters from Fram, Motorcraft, Purolator, AC Delco, and other brands so you can swap between them.
  • You can search Wix's online database by your vehicle year and make, by your current filter's part number, or by engine displacement to find the matching Wix filter.
  • The same physical filter carries different part numbers from different manufacturers, so a cross reference prevents you from buying an incompatible part.
  • Wix also publishes downloadable PDF cross reference guides organized by vehicle manufacturer, available free from their website.

How to use Wix's online cross reference tool

Wix's website includes a cross reference search tool at wixfilters.com. Start by selecting your vehicle's year, make, and model from the dropdown menus. The tool will then display all Wix filters that fit your vehicle, along with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part numbers and aftermarket equivalents from Fram, Motorcraft, and others.

If you do not know your vehicle's year and make, you can search by your current filter's part number instead. Type the Fram, Motorcraft, or Purolator number into the search box, and the tool will return the matching Wix part number. This method works even if your filter is from a brand not listed on Wix's site — the database covers most common manufacturers.

The search results show the Wix part number, the vehicle applications it fits, and a list of equivalent part numbers from competing brands. Some results also include a link to the filter's specifications sheet, which lists the thread size, bypass valve setting, and micron rating. Bookmark or screenshot the Wix part number before you leave the site, since you will need it to order the filter.

Finding cross reference information in downloadable PDF guides

Wix publishes free PDF cross reference guides organized by vehicle manufacturer. These files are available from the Wix website under their "Resources" or "Technical Information" section. Each PDF covers one manufacturer — Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and so on — and lists every filter process for that brand across multiple model years.

The PDFs are organized by engine size or model year, so you will need to know either your vehicle's year or its engine displacement in liters or cubic inches. Once you find your vehicle in the table, the PDF shows the OEM part number, the Wix equivalent, and often the Fram and Motorcraft equivalents as well. Some PDFs also include a column for the filter's micron rating and bypass pressure, which is useful if you are comparing performance across brands.

These guides are most useful if you prefer to work offline or if you are cross-referencing multiple vehicles at once. You can read them once and keep them in your phone or print them for your shop or garage. Wix updates these PDFs periodically, so check the publication date before relying on an older version for a recent model year.

Cross referencing by engine size when you do not know the filter brand

If you know your engine's displacement but not your vehicle's year or the filter you currently use, you can still find a Wix filter by searching the cross reference database by engine size. Wix's online tool includes a search field for displacement in liters — for example, 2.0L, 3.5L, or 5.7L — and will return all filters that fit engines of that size across all vehicle makes.

This method returns more results than a year-and-make search, so you will need to narrow down by looking at the vehicle applications listed for each filter. The results show which years and models use each filter, so you can identify the one that matches your vehicle. Once you find the right filter, note the Wix part number and any cross reference numbers listed.

Engine displacement alone is not enough to may provide compatibility, because different manufacturers use the same displacement in different vehicles with different filter housings. Always confirm that the filter's vehicle applications include your specific year, make, and model before ordering.

What information you need before using a cross reference chart

To use a Wix cross reference chart effectively, have one of the following pieces of information ready: your vehicle's year, make, and model; your current filter's part number; or your engine's displacement in liters or cubic inches. The year, make, and model is the most reliable starting point because it narrows the results to filters designed specifically for your vehicle.

If you have your current filter in hand, the part number is printed on the filter's label or stamped into the metal canister. The number usually starts with letters — PH for Fram, FL for Motorcraft, PL for Purolator — followed by numbers. Write down the entire part number exactly as it appears, including any letters or dashes, because a single digit difference can point to a different filter.

Your engine displacement is listed in your vehicle's owner's manual, on the door jamb sticker, or on the engine block itself. It is usually expressed in liters (2.0L, 3.5L) or cubic inches (350 cu in, 427 cu in). If you cannot find this information, your vehicle's year, make, and model alone is sufficient to search most cross reference databases.

Understanding equivalent filters and when they are truly interchangeable

A cross reference chart shows which filters are physically equivalent — meaning they have the same thread size, bypass valve setting, and mounting configuration — but equivalence does not always mean they perform identically. Two filters with the same part number from different manufacturers will fit your vehicle and function correctly, but they may differ in filtration efficiency, bypass pressure, or filter media lifespan.

Wix filters are generally rated for the same or longer service intervals as their Fram or Motorcraft equivalents, but some aftermarket filters have lower bypass pressures or coarser filtration ratings. The cross reference chart does not tell you these performance differences — you have to check the specifications sheet for each filter to compare. If you are switching from a manufacturer-recommended filter to an aftermarket equivalent, verify that the bypass pressure and micron rating meet your vehicle's requirements.

The chart also does not account for regional availability or pricing. A filter that is listed as equivalent may be out of stock at your local parts store or significantly more expensive than the original. Use the cross reference to identify your options, then check availability and price at retailers near you before making a final decision.

Common mistakes when reading a Wix cross reference chart

The most common mistake is confusing the filter's thread size with its part number. A cross reference chart lists both, and they look similar — for example, "3/4-16" is a thread size, while "51515" is the part number. If you order by thread size instead of part number, you may receive a filter that physically fits but is designed for a different vehicle and has the wrong bypass pressure or filtration rating.

Another mistake is assuming that all filters listed under one vehicle year are interchangeable. Some model years have multiple engine options, and each engine uses a different filter. The chart will list all of them, so you must match the filter to your specific engine displacement, not just your vehicle's year and make. Check your owner's manual or engine block to confirm your displacement before ordering.

A third mistake is using an outdated cross reference guide. Wix periodically updates their part numbers and adds new applications as vehicles are released. If you are using a printed guide or an old PDF, it may not include recent model years or may list part numbers that have been discontinued. Always check the publication date and verify the part number on Wix's current website before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Wix filter in a vehicle that originally came with a Fram or Motorcraft filter?

Yes, if the Wix filter is listed as equivalent in the cross reference chart. The chart confirms that the Wix filter has the same thread size, bypass valve setting, and mounting configuration as the original. However, verify that the bypass pressure and micron rating meet your vehicle manufacturer's specifications by checking the filter's technical sheet.

What if the cross reference chart shows multiple Wix part numbers for my vehicle?

Multiple part numbers usually indicate that your vehicle has multiple engine options or that Wix offers filters at different price points for the same process. Check your owner's manual or engine block to confirm your engine's displacement, then select the Wix part number that corresponds to your specific engine. If you are unsure, call a Wix distributor or your vehicle's dealership to confirm which part number is correct.

Where can I find a Wix cross reference chart if their website is down?

Most auto parts retailers — NAPA, AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts — have cross reference tools on their websites that include Wix filters. You can also call a local Wix distributor or a dealership parts department and provide your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size; they can look up the equivalent Wix part number for you.

Do I need to use the exact Wix part number, or can I order by the filter's specifications?

Always order by the exact part number. Ordering by specifications alone — for example, "3/4-16 thread, 10 micron" — can result in receiving the wrong filter because multiple Wix filters may share the same thread size and micron rating but are designed for different vehicles. The part number is the only way to may provide you receive the correct filter.

Can a cross reference chart tell me if a Wix filter will improve my vehicle's performance?

No. A cross reference chart only confirms that filters are physically equivalent and will fit your vehicle. It does not compare performance, filtration efficiency, or service life. To evaluate whether a Wix filter offers better performance than your current filter, compare their technical specifications — bypass pressure, micron rating, and media type — on each manufacturer's website.