I have a new bike (Specialized Secteur) with less than 200 miles. It has an SRAM Apex RD with an 11-32 cassette.

I started experiencing some problems with shifting on the smaller cogs, it would either not shift or skip a ring. So I adjusted the cable tension with the barrel adjuster according to the park tools site. I can get the smaller cogs shifting ok, but then I can't shift onto my large cog. If I adjust the tension to get my large cog, then I have problems with the smaller. I don't think my "L" stop is bad, I set it per the park tools site and I can shift onto the large cog just fine with more tension in the cable (or if I just pull on the cable).

Any clues? It goes into the LBS for a tuneup next week anyway, but I'd like to be able to do simple adjustments like this.

is the cable anchored in the correct spot? hanger alignment? reread park tool's guide until you understand what you are doing

While it is in the shop have them check the derailleur hanger alignment and correct as required. They are not always aligned properly from the factory. Also make sure that you are making your adjustments gradually so that you do not overshoot the proper position, 1/4 turn of the screws or barrel adjuster may be too much when you are getting close.

Excess cable friction is the most likely culprit, IMO.

When you trim the cable tension to align the derailleur under the second-smallest cog, be sure to pull the derailleur outboard as far as it'll go.

If you find it shifts into the bigger cogs just fine from there, but doesn't want to return properly on its own without pulling it outboard again, you're looking at too much cable friction for the derailleur's return spring.

Just a followup:

Total pilot error on my part. The cable had stretched on the new bike, and thought I followed the park instructions, but I had ended up off-by-one on my indexing. Once I tensioned the cable more, it works fine. In hindsight that should have been obvious to me.

Thanks to all who replied.