While driving my engine started revving up while I was pressing my clutch. It later stopped doing it while I was on the way to the mechanics shop. I’m wondering what the issue could be and if it is something to be concerned about.

 

Welcome to the forum

What Year Ranger?
Assuming 3.0l?

Clean the IAC(idle air control) valve
When driving a manual Ranger the RPMs should HOLD between shifts, not go up, but hold for 5 to 7 seconds, if clutch pedal is held down longer the RPMs should drop to 1,000 or so, while still moving
Once speedometer is under 5MPH, RPMs should drop to regular idle levels, 700 or so
These are all emissions requirements

Also replace PCV Valve, these should be replace every 3 or 4 oil changes, as they will get oil vapor inside and can stick open and cause high RPMs until they close, not an expensive part or hard to change
And you can clean them by soaking in a solvent/gasoline then blowing the oil residue out

 

Great thank you so much I will look into that! It’s a 2004 3.0. What would be the best way to clean the IAC valve?

 

Google: Clean Ford IAC Valve

A few videos and How-tos on line
All Ford IAC Valves are pretty much the same so doesn't have to be "Ranger" specific

Also check the throttle to see if its loose or sticky, i.e. not closing tight via spring pressure, long shot but free to look at