any ideas on the loud mechanical pop when you turn the key after engine is warm

 

Is your AC on? Could be the clutch engaging.

 

it usually is, wonder why it doesn't do it until engine is hot. I will check next time with it off when it gets hot. that could be what it is.

 

maybe that's why you don't hear itwhen its coldbecause it takes a few seconds to kick
in. when it's warm maybe the clutch is kicking in before turning the car over.

 

I only hear it when I pause in the "on" position before turnign to "start". \

If you remove the plastic engine cover you see on the front of the engine a black metalic/plastic looking part on the front section that was under the plastic. This is the source of the sound. I pulled it apart and there is a plate on a hinge that flips about 45 degrees when the car is warm when the ignition is turned on. I'm GUESSING taht it redirects air in some way. I've decided that it is normal.

 

wish i could figure out what this is. only does it when it is warm when you turn the key to on. does not matter if a/c is on. hearing it while driving also, very random. can not do anything to duplicate it.