Why does a TPMS alert go off after replacing tires?

Question

I have a 2015 Honda CRV.  I just got my tires replaced.  After driving a few miles, the TPMS alert goes off and keeps going off even after I've reset the alert.  I've checked my tires several times along my trip home and also after I let the tires cool down.  The pressure is at the recommended level (33 psi).
I went back to complain to Costco the next day that they broke or installed something wrong but they said they weren't mechanics and that the TPMS system on my car was not an air sensor in the tire but one that checked while braking what was happening to the wheel.
I called his bluff because I know the TPMS alert went off while I was at a stop light.  I was stopped behind several cars at the light so I reset it and it went off 2 minutes later before I STARTED MOVING so no braking was involved.  He still went back to telling me to go to the dealership or mechanic to look at the TPMS system.
So back to my original question: why would a TPMS alert go off after replacing tires?

Is it because the tires are new and the computer inside the car needs to recalibrate to the spinning of the new tires?
Did Costco break something and are just making things up hoping I won't use my head to figure out they are lying to get out of liability?
Was the sensor on its last legs and just coincidentally broke at the same time the tires were replaced?

Jupiter · Accepted Answer

This model year uses indirect pressure monitoring. It uses the tone ring and speed sensors to trigger the alarm. The owners manual suggests that it be recalibrated after tire rotation, tire repair or tire change.

Correct answer by Jupiter on July 2, 2021

jwh20 · Answer

I think there is no doubt in my mind that the TPMS module was damaged during the tire change and no longer works as it should.  Generally they should have a "rebuild" kit for the sensor which includes a new battery and seal but this is not the case at all tire retailers.  But it's definitely something you should have addressed with them in advance.

TPMS system on my car was not an air sensor in the tire but one that
checked while braking what was happening to the wheel.

There are some vehicles that use the ABS ring on the wheels to determine if a tire is lower than the others because as it deflates the tire will rotate faster than the non-deflated ones.  But these don't show the tire pressure.
It's possible that's what you car has.

Why does a TPMS alert go off after replacing tires?

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