Hello

I am getting a strong electrical smell from the air mass sensor in front of the air filter path to the engine.

This happens sometimes after driving
has been happening sporadically for the last 1.5 years but getting much more common.

Is there any way to trouble shoot what the cause might be?

anyone else had this issue

 

time to clean it and let it dry, it dries fast.
Maybe you got water or something in there.

1) remove negative terminal from battery followed by a few brake pedal applications
2) unplug MAF sensor, you may have to press down on the lock tab first
3) remove Maf sensor from car and spray a lot of cleaner in it away from the car area, like on a sewer or some ground area far away hidden.
4) wave it around to let it dry

Since you have this off, continue on and clean the throttle body:
Watch the video in this article, it is done to a Mazda 3!
Rough Idling Issues |*MotorWeek
NOTE: in the video they don't remove the negative terminal, but rather have some one else depress the gas pedal so you can clean it, this is not necessary when negative terminal is removed, don't be afraid to move the throttle butterfly valve.

Put everything back together, last thing is re-connect battery, after everything dry.
Start car and let idle for 5 minutes before driving. Computer will now re-learn with clean parts. If this fails, you may need a new MAF.

 

follow Noggin's advise. however this is the first time I hear of an electrical odor eminating from the MAF sensor.
Question: do you have a paper filter or a oil covered filter like K&N?

 

I know where you are going with this and this video will debunk that myth about the oil messing up the MAF sensor:
First time i've also heard of elec smell from maf.

 

Noggin, you gave me a preemptive strike. I was not aware of that video. Obviously there is some bias and the laboratory dirt is not equivalent to airborne road dirt. But I give K&N the benefit of doubt.

I seriously doubt that the MAF sensor will give if an "electric" smell. But you smelled something. Did you take the Maf sensor out and put it under your nose?