Pilot injection control apparatus for an internal combustion engine

A pilot injection control apparatus for a diesel engine. An injector (2) injects fuel into a combustion chamber of the engine. An electronic control unit (ECU) (51) controls the injector (2) to conduct a pilot injection of fuel prior to a main injection of fuel. The ECU (51) controls the injector (2) to increase the effect of the pilot injection as the intake air pressure (PM) decreases. For example, the ECU (51) increases the amount (PQF) of fuel to be injected during the pilot injection as the intake pressure (PM) decreases. Therefore, the pilot injection is conducted in accordance with the intake pressure (PM).