Another ASR light post

[benzguy1987]

Car is 1997 S500 - just over 100,000 miles - have owned it for almost 4 years and have had almost NO problems to this point. I have checked all the other posts dealing with ASR light and problems but mine seems to be different.
Upon start up SOMETIMES the car will idle funny - surging and bucking. When you put it in gear, it is like it has a mind of it's own and you practically have to stand on the brake pedal to keep it from moving.
This happens at different times and different temperatures but ALWAYS upon start up - can be first thing in the morning when the car is cold OR after it has been driven for a short distance, turned off and restarted. It has never done this while the car is moving - if it starts o.k. then no problems.
Also, several days ago the little triangular traction light in the spedo lit up after start up and pressing on the brake pedal. No difference in driving - but once I pushed the button manually to off and then turned it back on - it illuminated again. Once I restarted the car - it stayed off. Any suggestions? Could it possibly be my battery going weak and causing electrical gremlins? I am also having problems with it upshifting but no other trans problems.