Cold start issues - replaced coolant temp sensor, still getting P0116 and limp mode

Had the car since March. It happened a few times in March where it failed to start on first try, then I wait a few seconds and try again and it starts in limp mode with P0116 Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance code.

Car sat most of April and I started driving it again in May and the issue happened a few more times. Dealer replaced coolant temp sensor last week. Battery has been checked by dealer and it is all good. Car is fully up to date with software.

Now the car is starting, but it starts in limp mode, and coolant temp on dash doesn’t know what the temp is and is stuck in the middle. If I shut the car off, and turn it back on, everything is normal (except check engine light).

Now the weird part, wondering if anyone can help me with. I’m breaking the car in while staying at my brothers house in SLC, so it’s parked outside. The issue only seems to happen on sunny days, if I wait until the middle of the day to try and start it.

If I start it early in the morning it starts fine, no limp mode. If I wait til the car has been in the shade a few hours (even with temps still in mid 80s), it starts fine, no limp mode.

Why is the sun shining on my engine making it start in limp mode and throw codes?

Not saying this is the issue but I would research this. If you have a V6 disregard.

MajHall04 said:

Not saying this is the issue but I would research this. If you have a V6 disregard.

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I have the V6 manual. I probably should have put that in the post

Rcktmn said:

I have the V6 manual. I probably should have put that in the post

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Not had limp mode but I had cold starting problem beginning last October when temp started to drop a bit here in the UK. Turn off and restart everything was fine until the next day. Long story short, dealer had the car for 3 months and replaced spark plugs, coil packs, ECU and engine wiring loom. No reoccurrence since then, though the USBs in the armrest stopped working once they sorted the above out.

I have the car back home now and in my garage. Haven’t had the issue so far (2 weeks).

It honestly seems like it’s an issue with the sun beating down on the engine. The issue only happened if I started the car in the middle of a sunny day

We just got this same issue on our 2025 Emira today...right after being fixed for a different problem...ugh

VF Tuner said:

We just got this same issue on our 2025 Emira today...right after being fixed for a different problem...ugh

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Same code or same circumstance where it only happens if it’s been sitting in the sun?

Rcktmn said:

Same code or same circumstance where it only happens if it’s been sitting in the sun?

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same exact issue after sitting in direct sunlight all morning. Car actually wouldn't even start on the first try either

VF Tuner said:

same exact issue after sitting in direct sunlight all morning. Car actually wouldn't even start on the first try either

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Wow! I feel vindicated lol. The dealer looked at me like I was nuts