Hi Janis,
I've answered a very similar problem with a 3DS XL that would shutdown as the user closed the lid. This is the same exact problem as you've indicated here with the "popping" sound. There is a fault in one (or all) of the ribbons in the hinge of the device.
See my 2nd answer here: [post|323591], to solve this problem and get your device running again.
Good luck!