Looks like you're on the right track. CAN is the area network that connects most of the systems of the car together. I would think that a problem with a gear selector thingy would be causing some odd trans behaviour.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

I just got this code today and it occurred when the third brake light was out due to spark at the connection and by sticking it to have it go on it cause a short and the fuse went out, fixed the light by soldering a wire and engine light was on p1747, I clear it and that all. The car has 166500 miles and never had a problem with transmission. Hope that can help .