# There's a ghost in my car

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [June 1, 2007, 3:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108 "2007-06-01T03:28:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jcfl1684](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bc79bd/32.png) [@jcfl1684](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jcfl1684)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 3:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108/1 "2007-06-01T03:28:11Z")

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So I’m new to DIY car style and have run into something peculiar.  
  
  
  
 I have an '01 Ford Ranger; 4cyl, Manual Trans, 2.3 liter. It starts fine, but if you wait 15-20 seconds, it revs up a couple hundred RPM’s for 2-3 secs, then back down. It doesn’t do this JUST when idling, it does it while driving, too (and yes, I’m positive my foot isn’t on the pedal).  
  
  
  
 Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 4:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108/2 "2007-06-01T04:19:30Z")

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As you named the title, there would be a ghost in your car. You’d better ask the ghost to stop it politely. Good luck.

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**Author:** ![SteveF](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevef/32/2_2.png) [@SteveF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveF)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 9:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108/3 "2007-06-01T09:34:00Z")

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See the Bishop for an exorcism, or see a mechanic to replace the MAF or MAP sensor.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 7:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108/4 "2007-06-01T19:10:12Z")

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neither of these responses have helped. If there is anyone who DOES know the reason for this, please let me know.

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**Author:** ![lprocter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/lprocter/32/40_2.png) [@lprocter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lprocter)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 7:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108/5 "2007-06-01T19:16:19Z")

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Check or replace the Idle Air Control Valve, and clean the mass airflow sensor. You might also want to check the air filter. Also, is the Check engine light on? If so, you can get the codes read for free at any Autozone.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 8:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/theres-a-ghost-in-my-car/108/6 "2007-06-01T20:05:45Z")

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Also, you may want to check the EGR valve and all the vacuum hoses. If you have done everything said so far and still nothing it may be time to take it to a mechanic with a running diagnostic machine.