1996 cavalier with 2.2 wont start sometimes.i

Have you checked fuel pressure yet ?

There is a fuel pressure test port on the top of the engine in the pipe that delivers fuel to the injectors. You will need to buy the special gauge that hooks to this test port. The test port looks like a large tire inflating valve and has a plastic cap on it. Autozone and others have these fuel pressure testers for about $20

i would check the fuel pressure , in order to make sure it is within the specs, also check the fuel injectors out.

THIS COULD BE MANY DIFFERANT THINGS. I WILL WALK YOU THROUGH THEM.CHECK AND CLEAN BOTH NEGITIVE&POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ENDS MOST THE TIME ITS THE PROBLEM.IF NOT PULL STARTER HAVE CHECKED.ALSO CHECK FUEL PRESSURE 45PSI MIN.THEN CHECK INGNITION MODULE PARTS STORE WILL CHECK ALL ITEMS GOOD LUCK B.HARRIS A.S.E. CIRTIFIED 25 YRS EXP.

By what your stating, that it starts and dies every time, It seems to be fuel related. You need to perform a fuel pressure check. You will need a pressure tester, one that would at least be able to read pressure to a maximum of 150 lbs of pressure. Although you really only need about 50-60 pounds of pressure to maintain proper fuel injector operation. There is a test port located on the fuel rail where you would conect the pressure tester. The test port is usually located on the drivers side of the engine near the rear section coming up from the firewall. Unscrew the pressure port cap if its still there and connect your tester. But also keep in mind you may have fuel pressure of some sort in the rail so be careful. While the tester is screwed to the test port you want to cycle the ignition key on and read pressure, you may want to repeat this several times. You must have at least 50 pounds of pressure, if so it should start. If you are losing pressure while your maintaining a visual check on the tester it could also be a faulty pressure regulator/fuel pump or even a rubber hose connection inside the fuel tank that connects the fuel pump to the fuel line. If you have any questions Im here to help. Thanks for using FIXYA

try having the fault codes read to find the sensor responsible

Could be low fuel pressure and now no pressure. Fuel pump could be bad. Need to check fuel pressure. We use a trick to test it sometimes .While someone cranks over the engine , with a hammer firmly TAP bottom center of fuel tank, it jars pump and might start,does not fix it but lets you know if it is bad.

Replace the fuel filter, it's mounted above the rear axle bar, then check the fuel pressure. The pressure should be 18 lbs. and not waiver at all. You will need to purchase a kit to check the pressure on those cars because there is no port and you can not cut the fuel lines to install one -or- take it to a garage and have them monitor the fuel pressure. Fuel pressure loss is usually the pump quitting and slowing or stopping, fuel pressure that is unstable or incorrect is the fuel pressure regulator located on top of the TBI unit and easily replaced.

there is no fuel pressure test port on a 2.2L.
the only way to test fuel pressure is a special tool that GM dealers have.

Diagnostic trouble code P0089 - The ECM commands the Bosch high-pressure fuel pump to deliver a specific fuel rail pressure - that can vary up to 23,000 psi depending on load and speed. The actual pressure is monitored via the fuel rail pressure sensor. If the fuel rail pressure varies more than desired or if commanded fuel pump flow is 100mm3/second or less, DTC P0089 will set.

Corrective action includes measuring the fuel rail pressure using a Tech II scan tool, then compare that to commanded fuel rail pressure with the engine running at 2000 rpm. The difference must be less than 20 Mpa.

A blockage in the fuel tank or plugged fuel filter could cause this fault (excessive vacuum in fuel line). If there is less than 5 in Hg of vacuum when measured at the fuel pressure test port at 3000 rpm, the fuel pressure regulator could be defective, and may need to be replaced. The fuel pressure regulator (FPR) is a sub assembly located on the Bosch high-pressure fuel pump.