A fuel injector (3) is driven by a fluid drive system (27) with a drive unit (28). Connected with the fluid drive system (27) is a first control device (38) which has main and auxiliary slides. The fluid in the fluid drive system (27) is independent of the fuel system. Return pistons (72, 74) of the first control device are connected with relief passages (11, 12) on the housing (4) of the fuel injector (3) and with a second control device (50). On the outer periphery of the plunger (7) of the fuel injector (3) are arranged several annular grooves (18, 19, 20) which are connected with the pump chamber (6). The annular grooves (18, 19, 20) cooperate with the relief passages (11, 12) and have control edges. At least one of the annular grooves (18) effects an interruption of the injection of fuel through the nozzle (1). Several valves (51, 53) in the second control device (50 ) regulate the pressure in the pump chamber (6) and control the inflow and outflow of fuel. Pressure surges in the relief passages (11, 12) effect control movements in the first and second control devices (38, 50).