something "pops" after a minute or two when the car cools after shutting off the engine. it sounds like the type of pop that you make when you take off a bottle cap, but of course not as high pitched. sounds like a piece of metal popping back into place after being bent or a large cap being popped off a jar. is this normal?

 

yes

 

Normal. Hot stuff cooling off. Exhaust system sheilds, cats, etc.

 

yup, normal. i wondered the same thing before.

 

Mine ticks and pops for almost 20 minutes after I drive it -- that little engine bay holds some heat!