M.c. Turnan

Ok. Its a 2.2 eco. For some reason, I'll sit there for at least 3 minutes cranking the starter to get it running. It'll turn over dry for about 2 minutes (that's when it starts to kick like it'll start). I changed the fuel filter in high hopes...but no go. A friend of mine thought it may be the crankshaft sensor so he changed it....no go. So then I went to AutoZone to use the obd2 and it only threw up o2 sensors. I was under the impression that once an 02 stops working, that's it. I can still start the car and drive it wherever no problem....just reeaallyy hard to start. Would I maybe just need to clean them? Any suggestions appreciated.

tech2

once its started, if you shut it off and then restart it; does it work fine?

if yes, the fuel pressure may be leaking down, either back to the tank or past the injectors.

try priming the fuel rail by cycling the key to run
key on for 3 seconds to let the fuel pump run...key off...repeat 3x and then turn the key to start.

M.c. Turnan

Took out a spark plug and the end was a lot more wet than usual . figured that maybe it's getting too much fuel and flooding itself. I tried priming multiple times and doesn't help any.

M.c. Turnan

sometimes it'll start back up, it's a coin flip

tech2

put a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail and check for fuel pressure leakdown.

it will not be 02 sensors as they are ignored during start up and also until they heat up and go into closed loop operation.

the plugs are flooded at this point. take then out and dry them out.

KkAir

I have a 2000 that was hard starting. Garage said o needed a fuel pump and was replaced, same problem. Replaced camshaft sensor, new plugs, wires, same problem. Looked in trouble shooting in Hanes manual, and was pointed to temp. Sensor. Replaced sensor and engine started right away. Also, found out that the wiring hareness on early 2000 cavaliers used aluminum wiring for the sensors in the wiring harnesses. Check all of the wiring on sensors and add ground cables
good luck