relief passage 63 extends between actuation fluid passage 58 and a low pressure vent when spool valve member 45 is in its downward position such as during an injection event a pin 61 holds pressure relief valve 60 downward to close a seat 62 when pressure relief valve 60 is in this position actuation fluid passage 58 is closed to pressure relief passage 63 and pressure can build within actuation fluid passage 58 however between injection events when piston 65 and plunger 68 are hydraulically locked residual high pressure in actuation fluid passage 58 can act against pressure relief valve 60 because pressure within spool cavity 56 is high spool valve member 45 is hydraulically balanced and can move toward its upward position under the action of biasing spring 46 pressure relief valve 60 can then lift off of seat 62 to open actuation fluid passage 58 to pressure relief passage 63 thus allowing pressure within actuation fluid passage 58 to be reduced at the same time upward movement of pressure relief valve 60 and therefore pin 61 can aid in the movement of spool valve member 45 toward its upward position returning to fuel injector 40 a direct control needle valve 80 is positioned in injector body 41 and has a needle valve member 82 that is movable between a first position in which a nozzle outlet 88 is open and a downward second.