The invention relates to a detector, a universal automobile meter detector and the detecting method thereof, comprising: CPU control module, frequency signal generating module, network resistance output module, programmable voltage output module, automobile meter indicator detection module, display module, and keyboard control module, where the CPU globally controls the six other modules and constantly controls the output of each module according to the instruction inputted by the keyboard control module, and various check parameters can be inputted, modified and stored through the keyboard at will so as to meet the check requirements for various meters. And the invention is a universal automobile meter detector, able to meet the detection requirements for odometers, speed meters, water temperature meters, fuel oil meters, engine oil pressure meters, gas pressure meters, voltage meters, various indicators on meter panels in various automobile meters, and it is simple to operate.