Free FRAM Oil Filter Cross Reference Guide

Why FRAM Cross Reference Information Matters for Vehicle Maintenance

When you need an oil filter replacement, finding the right part can feel like navigating a puzzle. FRAM is one of the largest oil filter manufacturers in North America, producing millions of filters annually for vehicles ranging from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks. The challenge most vehicle owners face isn't that FRAM filters are hard to find—it's that FRAM uses a specific numbering system, and that same filter might be labeled differently by other manufacturers or sold under different part numbers depending on where you shop.

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A cross reference guide translates between these different labeling systems. Think of it like having a dictionary that says "FRAM PH3506 is the same filter as Motorcraft FL-400S and Bosch 72148WS." Without this translation, you might accidentally buy an incompatible filter, or worse, spend hours searching through catalogs trying to figure out which filter fits your vehicle. This matters because using the wrong filter can affect your engine's oil flow, pressure regulation, or filtration quality.

FRAM filters come in several product lines: the standard blue-labeled filters, the extra-tough Tough Guard line, the premium Titanium series, and specialty filters for specific vehicle types. Each line has different part numbers, and each part number might have multiple equivalents from competing manufacturers. Understanding how to navigate these options means you can shop confidently, compare prices across brands, and even substitute filters if your preferred brand is out of stock.

Takeaway: Cross referencing helps you identify filter alternatives, compare pricing, and understand what filter your vehicle actually needs without guessing or overpaying.

How FRAM's Part Numbering System Works

FRAM's part number format follows a logical structure, though it's not immediately obvious to someone unfamiliar with it. Most FRAM oil filters use a two or three-letter prefix followed by four or five numbers. The letters indicate the filter type or category, while the numbers identify the specific filter specifications like thread size, bypass valve pressure, and filtration micron rating.

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For example, FRAM PH3506 breaks down this way: "PH" indicates a spin-on filter (the kind you screw onto your engine), and "3506" identifies the specific fit and specifications. Compare that to FRAM TG3506, which is the same physical filter in FRAM's Tough Guard line, or FRAM CH3506, which might be a different variant. The numbers might seem random, but they're assigned based on when the filter design was developed and registered in FRAM's internal system.

Understanding these prefixes helps you navigate catalogs and websites. A "PH" prefix is common for standard passenger vehicle filters. "TG" indicates Tough Guard filters designed for extended drain intervals. "CH" and "CCV" prefixes appear on specialty filters. Some filters also include suffixes—like FRAM PH3506-B—where the letter after the numbers indicates a minor variation or updated version of the original filter.

FRAM also produces filters for specific vehicle systems beyond engine oil. You might encounter prefixes for transmission filters, fuel filters, or cabin air filters, which have completely different part numbers and cross references. This is why checking your vehicle's specific needs is the first step before searching for cross references.

Takeaway: Learning FRAM's letter-and-number format helps you understand what category a filter belongs to, making it easier to spot related products or variations of the same filter.

Common FRAM Filters and Their Cross References

Several FRAM filters appear regularly in vehicle maintenance because they're designed to fit popular car models sold over many years. FRAM PH3506 is one of the most widely distributed filters—it fits thousands of vehicles from Honda Civics to Ford Escapes. Its cross references include Motorcraft FL-400S (Ford's equivalent), Bosch 72148WS, Fram TG3506 (the Tough Guard version), and many others. Knowing these equivalents means if your local store is out of FRAM, you can confidently grab a Motorcraft or Bosch equivalent.

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Another common filter is FRAM PH8A, used in many General Motors vehicles. This filter cross references to Motorcraft FL-400A, Purolator PL14610, and Bosch 3323. The PH8A appears in maintenance schedules for various Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models from the 1990s through early 2010s.

FRAM PH6607 serves as the standard filter for many Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, with cross references including Mopar 68157291AA and Bosch 72614. This filter has been in production for decades, so you'll see it referenced in both older repair manuals and current online catalogs.

For Toyota and Lexus vehicles, FRAM PH3614 covers many applications, cross referencing to Toyota 90915-YFZF9 and Bosch 72145WS. Toyota's own part numbers follow a specific format (the hyphenated system), but the FRAM equivalent allows broader availability since it's carried in more retail locations.

FRAM PH4967 handles larger displacement engines, particularly trucks and SUVs, and cross references to Motorcraft FL-400H and Bosch 72150WS. This filter is notably larger and handles higher flow rates than smaller passenger car filters.

Takeaway: Knowing which filters are common for your vehicle type allows you to shop across brands and avoid confusion if one brand is unavailable.

Where to Find Accurate Cross Reference Information

Cross reference data comes from several reliable sources, each with different strengths. FRAM's official website includes a cross reference tool—you enter your vehicle information, and it displays compatible FRAM filters along with equivalent models from other manufacturers. This source is current because FRAM updates it as new models release and as manufacturing partnerships shift.

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Auto parts retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA all maintain their own digital cross reference systems. When you search for "FRAM PH3506" on their websites, they typically display equivalent filters from Motorcraft, Bosch, Purolator, and other brands they carry. These databases differ slightly because retailers sometimes stock different equivalent brands, but the core cross reference information is usually consistent across them.

Vehicle manufacturer service manuals represent another authoritative source. Your Toyota, Ford, or Honda service manual specifies the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter and sometimes lists approved equivalents. For example, a Ford service manual might specify Motorcraft FL-400S but note that FRAM PH3506 is an approved alternative. These manuals exist both as physical books in libraries or repair shops and increasingly as online resources through manufacturer websites.

Specialty forums dedicated to specific vehicles—like those for Honda Civic owners or Ford F-150 owners—often contain accumulated knowledge about filter cross references. While individual users might occasionally provide incorrect information, the community collectively builds reliable reference data over years of discussion. These forums are useful for confirming whether a cross reference works for your specific model year, since sometimes a filter that fits most years of a model has exceptions.

Third-party filter comparison websites aggregate cross reference information from multiple sources. Some automotive education sites maintain comprehensive tables showing which filters cross reference to which. These are useful for getting a broader view, though you should verify the information through one of the primary sources above.

Takeaway: Using multiple sources—manufacturer sites, retailer tools, and service manuals—reduces the risk of getting incorrect information and helps you spot inconsistencies worth investigating.

Using Cross References to Make Cost-Effective Maintenance Choices

Cross reference information empowers you to make informed decisions about which filter to buy, potentially saving money without sacrificing quality. FRAM's three main product lines—standard, Tough Guard, and Titanium—have different price points. A standard FRAM filter might cost $8 to $12, while the same filter number in the Tough Guard line costs $2 to $5 more, and Titanium versions cost even more. Cross referencing allows you to understand what you're paying for and decide whether the upgrade is worth it for your vehicle.

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For a vehicle with straightforward maintenance needs and a typical 5,000-mile oil change interval, the standard FRAM filter handles the job. But if you drive in severe conditions—dusty