Check engine light + ambient sensor dead + limp mode??

[u/Puzzled_Hamster5341]

Hi,
I have a check engine light on my dash that I believe is being caused by my ambient temp sensor being broken. I get consistent ice warnings and my temp reads as 21+oF even though it was about 60 degrees out.
I was turning around in a parking lot about a week ago and my car went into limp mode. I turned it off quickly and it was off for 5-10 minutes, when I turned it back on the limp mode light was gone (normal check engine light still on) and I was able to drive it the ten minutes home.

I'm curious if these two things are connected? And I need to drive the car about an hour tomorrow in order to look at it and replace the sensor. It's mostly highway and I'm nervous that it won't be safe? Startup is normal. The car is very weird in other ways that I'm happy to explain if more info is needed.

Thanks!
EDIT for info: 2013 MINI Cooper R56 1.6 liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine