[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF!

If the ABS or Trac light just flashes when the tires are spinnng/slipping, and when you take off from a stop, this is normal.

If they are staying on,
get the car scanned with an ABS capable scanner.
Not all scanners will scan for ABS or Bady DTC's.

You can try and measure resistance with an Ohm meter but it is tricky getting under the car for this.
Should read around 1000-1100ohm @ 65 deg.

If you need positive traction push the ETC button,
located on the dash, and it disables the traction control.

On the scratchy sound, that does sound like your pads dragging. But this could be a wheel bearing/hub assy going bad.
Does it make a roaring sound when you are driving down the road?

Had starts could be many things.
New wires togo with the plugs might help.
Your fuel filter is supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles. And if its dirty it'll effect the engines performance.

Hope that helps!