Check your heat shield by the catalytic converter, and the strap around the muffler. The heat shield has a tendency to come loose, and the strap rusts on almost every 3rd gen cavalier I've ever seen
1-2 located by the exhaust manifold
on the rear exhaust manifold hard to get to
Two. One on the bottom of the exhaust manifold and one after the catalytic converter on the exhaust system.
A 2002 Chevy Cavalier 2.2 liter has a total of 1 oxygen sensor located in the exhaust manifold. It constantly monitors oxygen levels in the exhaust to allow the computer to make mixture adjustments.
There are 2...On the exhaust manifold and after the cat. converter
Removing the exhaust from a 2002 Cavalier is not too hard as long as no bolts are rusted. Start by unbolting the exhaust at the engine. Remove all exhaust clamps. Unbolt the pipe joints and pull the sections from under the car.
That would be the O2 sensor located in the exhaust system after the catalytic converter.
If it's an automatic you will have to remove the exhaust manifold because the thermostat is located on the backside of the engine on the driver's side under the exhaust manifold.
Right before and right after the catalitic converter in the exhaust system.
located on the water pump housing on back passenger side of the engine under the exhaust manifold.
If the ticking sounds like a "normal" ticking, it is probably the fuel injectors.
Exhaust components rust out over time due to weather and the heat from the vehicle. On a 2001 Chevy Cavalier, when the muffler strap rusts, welding a new strap in its place will offer a complete and reliable repair.