The invention describes an apparatus and method for detecting a short circuit to a battery voltage when driving a piezoelectric element, for example, used as an actuator in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus and method ...

The method involves applying an actuating current (IB) or voltage to the hydraulic valve to fully open it. The valve is opened by a pilot movement at the start of an opening movement and only then is the valve driven so as to fully open it. The valve is pr...