a direct injection fuel injector and method of operation wherein high fuel pressure exerting an opening force on an injection valve is slightly overbalanced by a return spring tending to close the valve . a first solenoid acts to open the valve against the excess return spring force and a second solenoid acts to close the valve when the first solenoid is de - energized . rapid valve closing is provided by energizing the second solenoid before de - energizing the first solenoid , the force of the second solenoid when the valve is open being insufficient to overcome the force of the first solenoid holding the valve open . thus , the second solenoid magnetic force is fully developed and quickly closes the injection valve when the first solenoid is de - energized . various additional features are disclosed .