GM-GMC: 96 chevy cavalier z24, chevy cavalier z24, fuel pressure gauge

Question
car will start but shuts down . then if you don't turn the key off and try to start it car will just turn over but will not fire until you turn it off and try again then it will start then shut down.

Answer
There are a few things you should check.  First one being the fuel pressure.  You will need a fuel pressure gauge to do this and you will need to tap into the fuel system, at either the fuel filter or at the quick connect near the engine.  Second thing to check is that the theft deterrent light is not on steady or flashing.  If it is, you will need to have a shop with a scanner look at it to see what trouble codes are present.  Start with the  fuelp pressure and go from there.
Hope this helps