Really have to know what year the car is because these problems vary from year to year.
Did u check your enigine cooling fan?
check this site out
ets and check engine light on in 98 Chevy cavalier
yea it means your either overheating or running out of gas
could be the oxygen sensor. that's what it was on mine.
No, only a problem that effects emissions will set the check engine light.
check engine oil for water and check radiator for oil
Locate dipstick at rear of engine between motor and firewall, usually has a red handle. With motor running and hot read the marks on the dipstick.
If it is easy, your gas cap is not on correctly.
Check for vacuum leaks.
Check the fan relay for the 1996 Cavalier. Also, check the coolant sensor, one of these is most likely bad.
you can take it to auto zone or advance auto parts stores, and they will put the scanner on it for free.