I read somewhere that the small flex cable that goes into the Zif is for one of the functions like ANC (don't remember exact feature) but it doesn't keep the buds from basic functionality. I tore one of mine trying to pry the battery out and looked around for a replacement, couldn't find one with no part number so I ended up buying just the right side on eBay for $15.00 and used it for parts. The only thing is, the end of the flex that looks like it runs down the side towards the bottom has some hardened clear epoxy on it and there's some black adhesive around there so you can't see where it ends. I ended up applying a few drops of Isopropyl Alcohol around the clear epoxy area and used my spudger and it pried loose. Hope this helps