Recently purchased some problems. Need to know if the valve cover needs to be removed to change camshaft position sensor

no, it's on the drivers side, no need to remove valve covers.

Not usually, though '99 2.2L's had some things done to them for emissions and economy. The cam position sensor is in the LH (driver) side timing belt cover, kind of underneath the oil fill cap to the left of the battery, held in by a single bolt.

 

Mine appears to be mounted to the timing cover and after removing the bolt there was not enough room to pull out the sensor. Tight spot had to remove the battery to get at the bolt.

it *should* come out, try wiggling it, twisting, various angles, and if the dipstick or cap or something like that is in the way, remove or loosen it.

 

i just pulled a 99 EJ22 the other day and have it hanging in my garage, i'll try to peak at it.

I checked when I got home from work and the only thing that seems to be hindering removal is the valve cover.