1996 Chevy Cavalier IDLE HOT

There could be a number of things causing your problem. Lets try to narrow it down. Start the vehicle open the hood and see if the fan comes on after the vehicle has warmed up. Do not! stick your fingers in the fan it could start at any time. If it doesn't start as the temp gets a little over the half way mark on your gauge turn on your defroster and or AC. These vehicles are wired with a relay that pulls in when you run your AC or Defroster this relay energizes your fan motor. So if the fan comes on with the AC on but will not with out it. You probably have a bad temp sensor.This should also give you a check engine light. If the fan works right then you have a bad water pump and or the radiator needs to be rod out. It could also be a sticking thermostat.
Try the fan test and get back with me we will go from there.

Good Luck.