Should the oil gauge move as soon as the key is turned?

[XH29N0G]

I have the original electric oil gauge.  When I turn the key (not turn the engine on), the oil gauge needle rises to read about 10 psi.  I know the pressure is not 10 psi, but I am wondering if this is the way the electric gauges are supposed to behave, or if it is a symptom. 

[Pete in NH]

Those gauges are not the most accurate things in the world but, I would expect them to read zero with no pressure. I would check the sending unit with an ohm meter. It should measure 73 ohms or so to ground with the engine not running. If it does and the gauge still reads 10 pounds, I would suspect the gauge itself or possibly the instrument voltage regulator if other gauges like water temperature are also giving a reading when the engine is cold. The standards for Chrysler gauge systems of the period are 10 to 11 ohms at the sending unit should read full scale on the gauge,24 ohms mid scale  and 73 ohms or so zero or bottom of the scale.

[XH29N0G]

Thanks,  I checked the resistance and it was 78 ohms with my meter.  I then went back to check where it went with the key in the on position and it moved, but only to zero.  I am puzzled now. Seems to be OK.