The invention discloses a general-type handheld automobile fault diagnostic instrument and a diagnostic system. The general-type handheld automobile fault diagnostic instrument mainly comprises a field programmable gate array (FPGA) master control module (101), a system storage module (102), a power supply module (103), an automobile information memorizer (104), a controller area network (CAN) communication module (105), a touch screen (106), a universal serial bus (USB) interface communication module (107). A diagnose interface in the CAN communication module (105) is connected with an automobile electronic control unit (ECU) interface. Information which includes automobile ECU fault codes, dynamic data flow, ECU version information, indicating faults and the like is read and displayed according to control commands sent by the touch screen. The general-type handheld automobile fault diagnostic instrument is capable of carrying out fault diagnosis on automobiles with different motorcycle types and achieving generality of diagnosis. The diagnostic system has the advantages of being stable in operation, convenient to upgrade and the like.