Abstract: A poppet fuel injector valve includes a poppet valve which is positioned within a chamber in the injector and displaceable between open and closed positions. A passageway extends from an exterior surface of the injector into close proximity to the cavity in which the poppet valve is located. A valve position sensor is dimensioned to fit within the passageway and is displaceable into close proximity to the poppet valve. The valve position sensor generates an electrical output signal which corresponds to mechanical displacements of the poppet valve.