What is this?

[5VZ-FE]

As I fired up my ‘99 a few days ago to go to the airport, I felt something hit my foot. It was 4:00 am and dark outside so I didn’t bother looking. By the time I got to the airport it was light out and I found this piece. I’m assuming it came from somewhere around the steering column.
Also, occasionally when I start the engine there is like a popping noise, and it happened that time too.
Any ideas?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

As I fired up my ‘99 a few days ago to go to the airport, I felt something hit my foot. It was 4:00 am and dark outside so I didn’t bother looking. By the time I got to the airport it was light out and I found this piece. I’m assuming it came from somewhere around the steering column.
Also, occasionally when I start the engine there is like a popping noise, and it happened that time too.
Any ideas?

It's a trim clip. It usually stays in place on the plastic protrusions of trim pieces. I think the trim piece by the driver's knees has those pieces. They also are up on other trim pieces in the gauge cluster, the key ring etc

 

[5VZ-FE]

Thanks, does anyone have any ideas about this popping sound when I start it up?