How to find a datasheet for a part that doesn’t exist on the manufacturer’s website?

You’ve pretty much got the process down.

Recognize that some parts, such as mask-programmed micro-controllers and perhaps some pre-programmed flash micro-controllers may be house numbered, which means they have a part number assigned by the customer, not the manufacturer, and no information will be forthcoming from the latter, nor will you likely ever find a datasheet. The part may or may not be basically a standard part.

Sometimes, especially with micro-controllers, you can match

The package,
Manufacturer (if known)
The pin pattern (things like power pins, crystal pins, etc.) to reduce the number of options,

However, it’s not an especially rewarding exercise unless you’re being paid to analyze someone else’s product. The magic is all in the firmware in such cases, and it will be copyright (as well as hardware locked, though that doesn’t slow down some unethical folks much). Try to ask the supplier to help you repair the machine if it is within warranty.

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Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.