Method and controller for controlling a switch valve

A method for controlling a pressure dissipation valve for a fuel injection system, wherein the pressure dissipation valve comprises a closure element movable between a first end position blocking a valve opening and a second end position at least partially opening the valve opening, a spring applying a spring force urging the closure element toward the first end position, and an electromagnetic actuator responding to an applied voltage to apply an actuator force to the closure element acting oppositely to the spring force, the method comprising:

• applying a constant voltage to the actuator to induce an opening current pulse until the closure element begins motion counter to the spring force;
• immediately ending the application of the constant voltage upon the beginning of motion of the closure element;
• thereafter, applying a pulsed voltage to the actuator to induce a substantially constant holding-open current intensity;
• maintaining the pulsed voltage for a predetermined duration to hold the closure element in the second end position;
• and
• interrupting the application of voltage after the predetermined duration, wherein the closure element moves into the first end position as a result of the spring force.