Frequently when I start my 96 SE the traction control light on the dashboard lights up (the one that lets me know it'* not working) I may drive 1/2 a block and it goes out...sometimes I have to drive farther before it shuts off. It seems like it has to get in "synch"? It'* not a huge problem I am just hoping that there is something simple I can check/fix

It seems like the light will turn on sometimes when I get a P0171 code. I know that that code can be caused by bad/dirty grounds..are these 2 somehow related? on the same ground circuit?

The other day I started the car and the P0171 code came up...it was a cold morning and the car hadn't been run for 3 days...then I got a flashing check engine light..P0303 (misfire cylinder 3) I reseated the wire onto the spark plug while the car was running and it seemed to smooth out right away and hasn't thrown either the 303 or the 171 for a couple of days... Could a misfire cause the 171 to occur.

Spit

The only real checks for the TC would be checking the ABS connectors, but a fault that is issued by a bad hub shouldn't be issued until you are moving. It is possible the pump/TC assembly is having problems.

On the P0171 this is a lean bank code and as you mentioned, can be caused by poor grounds, bad battery cables, maf sensor and bad vacuum lines. Never heard of it being related to rough running or a bad wire/coil... hopefully there'* a first in this case you it'* gone.