I have a 96 sunfire 2.2 L, 3t40, 3 speed auto trans, 163k miles

The auto trans won't upshift from 1st to 2nd gear around 20mph unless I let off the throttle, hit the gas, then trans will shift into 2nd gear. I'm trying to adjust the throttle valve cable.

in the past month, I have changed the trans fluid/filter and changed the fuel filter. Trans fluid is full, downshifts in every gear fine, reverse gear, and 2-3rd gear is fine. anyone got any tips on how to do the TV cable adjustment? the tab that you press in won't budge with a c-clamp. I don't want to break that tab off.

it syas so in your chiltons manual. i dont remember how to do it when i had my old OHV. but. when i had my old ohv i had that same problem and my transmission was going bad

The flat side opposite of the round bulge is the button. It is surrounded by a flange that wont press in. I had to use a large flat tip screw diver (but a 1/4" nut driver handle or maybe a 3/8" extension) to press it in. If its still wont budge, a shot of WD40 might help loosen and dust, dirt or other road grime from the inside.

If adjusting the TV cable doesn't work, you might want to do a shift correction kit such as the one from Superior Transmission K125 or the TransGo SK125 (about 2/3rds down the page). They contain a couple of the valves that will correct part of the shifting problem that develop over time. Both kits require dropping the bottom pan and the Valve Body Cover. I was able to reach the VBC by removing the left front tire, the dust shield and the transmission mount (be sure to support the tranny, from the case near that end). These kits can be done with hand tools, a jack and a drill.

If the fluid changes have been kept up with, the tranny probably doesn't need a total rebuild. Mine had 197,000 miles and the belts and bands had plenty of friction material left. It's not uncommon for dirt dust or grime to get into the valves and hang up. Be sure to keep you working area as clean as possible, to prevent further problems.